Winter Storm Warning: Central Illinois Braces for Sunday Snowstorm with Moderate to Heavy Snow

WPBN: This weekend, a powerful winter storm is predicted to move across the nation, bringing snow accumulation from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. While freezing rain affects far southern Illinois, a broad region of moderate to heavy snow is predicted to move throughout Central Illinois, possibly affecting some people in our area.

Important Takeaways

• Snow starts to fall early on Sunday and lasts until Monday morning.
• Sunday afternoon and evening are predicted to see the most snowfall.
• Travel south of I-80 is predicted to be dangerous on Sunday afternoon and evening.
• Impacts and delays can last until Monday morning, especially along I-72.
• Few spots above 8 inches are feasible, and widespread accumulations over 4 inches are likely.

Timeline of Storms

Although the exact time of the snowfall is yet unknown, we anticipate it to start anytime on Sunday between three and nine in the morning. By evening, the snow will spread northeast, affecting every region south of I-80. Areas south and along I-74 may experience periods of moderate to heavy snowfall from mid-afternoon to midnight, with the snow gradually melting by Monday morning.

First Call for Snowfall Forecast

Although there is now more confidence in the storm track overall, these totals will probably need to be adjusted over the coming days because even little wobbles of 50 to 100 miles might have a big effect on total snow accumulations.

The best possibilities of receiving more than 6 inches of snow are south of the Havana to Bloomington line, while widespread snow accumulations of more than 4 inches are anticipated south of the Macomb to Pontiac line.

Although some northern communities may receive less snow, the Peoria area is predicted to receive 3–7 inches.

On the north side of the system, where an influx of dry air should control higher totals, there will be a steep gradient in accumulations. However, 2-4 inches are anticipated close to Galesburg, and 1 to 3 inches are likely along I-80.

Over the next days, a more thorough snowfall forecast with an accumulation timeframe will be accessible.

The likelihood that snow will accumulate on Sunday

Effects of Winter Storms

While a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow brings slick conditions to the southern half of the state, moderate to heavy snow will create dangerous travel conditions across Central Illinois.

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With the highest confidence in heavy snow around I-72, the Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index indicates a 40–80% risk of substantial impacts along and south of I-74. The following are considered to be moderate impacts:

• Expect daily life to be disrupted.
• Dangerous driving circumstances.
• There could be infrastructure closures and interruptions.

There is a 20–40% likelihood of major impacts centered around I-72, according to the same index. The following are examples of major impacts:

• Expect significant delays to day-to-day activities.
• unsafe or unfeasible driving circumstances.
• There could be widespread infrastructure disruptions and closures.

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Winter Storm Watches have been issued by the National Weather Service for regions south and along I-72 where there is a greater likelihood of additional impacts.

Far southern Illinois is under a winter storm watch due to a combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. In the future, if the storm track shifts slightly to the north, more watches might be issued for regions along I-74.

Avoid traveling on Sunday and be ready to change your plans if necessary. Make sure your car has a winter preparation kit with blankets, snacks, drinks, a shovel, and a cell phone charger if you have to travel. Although the number of closures and delays by Monday is unknown, things should get better by Monday morning.

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