ILLINOIS — A large portion of Illinois, including communities from Galesburg to Danville and from Decatur to Mattoon, is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory affects central, east central and west central counties, including Knox, Stark, Peoria, Marshall, Woodford, Fulton, Tazewell, McLean, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, De Witt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Cass, Menard, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Edgar and Clark counties.
Cities included in the advisory range from Galesburg, Peoria and Bloomington to Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Mattoon, Charleston, Decatur, Clinton, Havana, Petersburg, Beardstown, Lincoln, Rushville, Canton, Paris and Normal.
Mix of Snow and Freezing Rain Expected
Forecasters say residents should prepare for a light mixture of snow and freezing rain, beginning late Saturday night and continuing into early Sunday.
While snow totals are expected to reach 1 to 3 inches north of the I-74 corridor, the greatest concern will be a thin glaze of ice caused by freezing rain mixing with the snowfall in many central Illinois locations.
Even minimal icing could make untreated surfaces extremely slick. The advisory warns that roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to become hazardous, especially overnight and in the early morning hours.
Travel Could Be Dangerous Overnight
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive with caution. Authorities recommend extra care when traveling on elevated surfaces such as overpasses, where ice can form more quickly. Pedestrians are also warned to use caution on stairs, sidewalks and driveways, which may become slick enough to cause falls.
How to Stay Informed
Residents can track updated travel conditions on the state’s traffic website at GettingAroundIllinois.com. The National Weather Service advises anyone who must travel to leave early, drive slowly and allow extra stopping distance.
The advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, when temperatures are expected to begin rising and precipitation should taper off. However, untreated surfaces may remain slick into the morning hours.
