The storm system moving in from the west.
ILLINOIS - The entire readership area is under a winter storm warning, according to Illinois State Police, who have submitted a winter weather advisory.
First let's look at what's heading our way.
For North Counties, here's the report from the National Weather Service:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Lincoln IL 1022 AM CST Thu Jan 11 2018 ...A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION EXPECTED LATER TODAY... McLean-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Sangamon-Christian- Macon-Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby-Cumberland-Clark- Effingham-Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence- Including the cities of Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, Clinton, Monticello, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Springfield, Taylorville, Decatur, Sullivan, Tuscola, Charleston, Mattoon, Paris, Shelbyville, Greenup, Marshall, Effingham, Newton, Robinson, Flora, Olney, and Lawrenceville 1022 AM CST Thu Jan 11 2018
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM CST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Rain will change to freezing rain and snow tonight. * WHERE...Along and east of I-55. * WHEN...A period of freezing rain is expected this evening as far east as a Paris to Flora line...then further east to the Indiana border overnight. The precipitation will end as light snow overnight. A light glaze of ice is likely. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are possible east of I-57. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...As temperatures fall below freezing, a period of freezing rain and snow is expected tonight. Slick roads will impact the Friday morning commute. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and plan on extra time to arrive at their destinations. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained by calling 1-800-452-4368.
It's much the same story for South Counties, as is evidenced here:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Paducah KY 134 PM CST Thu Jan 11 2018 Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton- White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson-Pope- Hardin-Alexander-Pulaski-Massac-Gibson-Pike-Posey-Vanderburgh- Warrick-Spencer-Fulton-Hickman-Carlisle-Ballard-McCracken-Graves- Livingston-Marshall-Calloway-Crittenden-Lyon-Trigg-Caldwell- Union KY-Webster-Hopkins-Christian-Henderson-Daviess-McLean- Muhlenberg-Todd-Mississippi-New Madrid- Including the cities of Mount Vernon, Fairfield, Albion, Mount Carmel, Pinckneyville, West Frankfort, McLeansboro, Carmi, Carbondale, Murphysboro, Herrin, Harrisburg, Shawneetown, Jonesboro, Vienna, Golconda, Elizabethtown, Cairo, Mound City, Metropolis, Fort Branch, Petersburg, Poseyville, Evansville, Boonville, Rockport, Hickman, Clinton, Bardwell, Wickliffe, Paducah, Mayfield, Smithland, Benton, Murray, Marion, Eddyville, Cadiz, Princeton, Morganfield, Dixon, Madisonville, Hopkinsville, Henderson, Owensboro, Calhoun, Greenville, Elkton, Charleston, and New Madrid 134 PM CST Thu Jan 11 2018 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 PM CST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Isolated to scattered power outages and tree damage may occur due to the ice accumulation. Travel will be dangerous, including during the morning commute on Friday. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches may occur on top of up to one quarter inch of ice accumulations. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, & southeast Missouri. * WHEN...9 PM This Evening to 9 PM Friday Evening. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times. Strong and gusty winds may also increase the hazard to power lines and tree branches weighted by the snow and ice. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. $$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Paducah KY 148 PM CST Thu Jan 11 2018 Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton- White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson-Pope- Hardin-Alexander-Pulaski-Massac-Gibson-Pike-Posey-Vanderburgh- Warrick-Spencer-Fulton-Hickman-Carlisle-Ballard-McCracken-Graves- Livingston-Marshall-Calloway-Crittenden-Lyon-Trigg-Caldwell- Union KY-Webster-Hopkins-Christian-Henderson-Daviess-McLean- Muhlenberg-Todd-Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid- 148 PM CST Thu Jan 11 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight A Winter Storm Warning is in effect tonight. Significant accumulations of ice and snow are anticipated. Refer to the Warning for details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday The Winter Storm Warning continues Friday and expires at 9 PM. Significant accumulations of ice and snow are anticipated. Refer to the Warning for details. Temperatures will plummet this weekend, offering biting cold with potential single digit Lows Saturday night, and wind chills possibly near zero early Sunday morning. A pair of upper level disturbances will bring a decent chance of light snow to much of the region Sunday afternoon through Monday. Some light accumulations cannot be ruled out at this time. In addition, wind chills may fall into the negative numbers Monday night and Tuesday night, as another blast of cold air arrives. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter reports of wintry precipitation are appreciated
Here's what Illinois State Police have to say about it.
With the prediction of falling temperatures and snow beginning tonight into the weekend, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 is reminding motorists to take the necessary precautions before getting behind the wheel. Vehicle safety is equally important to driving safely while on the roadways.
“As winter weather impacts our area over the next several days, additional challenges and responsibilities for drivers exist,” said District 19 Commander Captain Cory Ristvedt. “We ask that drivers be well prepared: confirm your vehicle is properly maintained to operate in cold temperatures, allow extra time to reach your destination, ensure passengers are seat belted, and drive defensively by slowing down and increasing your following distance from other vehicles,” added Captain Ristvedt.
Stranded motorists are encouraged to remain inside their vehicles and wait for first responders to arrive. Motorists involved in crashes that do not require emergency assistance may file a crash report within 10 days at the nearest police station.
Illinois State Police also want to remind motorists to yield to emergency and snow removal equipment. Scott’s Law (Move-Over Law) requires drivers to reduce speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution when approaching emergency vehicles. Further, it requires motorists to slow down and move over for any disabled motorist exhibiting flashing hazard lights.
Other safety tips include:
Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.
Dress warmly – choose layers of clothing in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.
Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing. Plenty of fuel is also important if your vehicle becomes stranded.
Clear ice and snow from your vehicle windows and lights.
Don’t crowd the plow – remember, a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
Watch out for black ice – roads that appear clear may be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas – all are prone to black ice.
Have an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, a flashlight, a small ice scraper, blankets, gloves, food items, water, and a first aid kit.
Carry a cell phone AND a charger.
Always wear a safety belt.
Motorists are urged to check travel conditions before any trip. You may get interstate condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or on the Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. For additional winter travel information: Like us on Facebook at Illinois State Police District 19 Carmi