The first snowfall of the season in Central Illinois could impact one of the busiest traveling and shopping weekends of the year.
The National Weather Service [NWS] in Lincoln has issued a Winter Strom Warning for much of Central and Northern Illinois and parts of seven other states in the upper Midwest from late Friday night through early Sunday morning.
In an update on Friday afternoon, the warning area stretches across parts of ten states in the Upper Midwest from South Dakota to Ohio.
The weather service says total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches is expected across much of the area, with higher amounts of 9 to 12 inches along and north of a Macomb to Bloomington line.
The snow is not expected to arrive before midnight for areas west of Interstate 55 and after midnight for areas east of the interstate.
The heaviest snow is expected between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. The weather service indicated at least an 80% chance that areas north of Interstate 72 [Decatur and Springfield] will receive at least six inches of snow.
The snow would change to a rain-snow mix by late afternoon Saturday.
NWS says roads will likely become slick and hazardous, especially bridges and overpasses. The weather service recommends delaying travel if possible.
“Travel could be very difficult,” the weather service said. “If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.”
Winds are expected to gust up to 25 mph on Saturday.
The storm watch area stretches from Interstate 70 in southern Illinois to northwest Indiana, southern Wisconsin and eastern South Dakota and Nebraska.
NWS describes a Winter Storm Warning as "high confidence" that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts. A Winter Storm Watch indicates "medium confidence."
The snowstorm is expected to then give way to colder temperatures as daily highs will remain below freezing all next week.
