A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for southern Illinois and many surrounding areas through the weekend. In our area the Winter Storm Warning runs through 6 p.m. Sunday. A Cold Weather Advisory is also in effect through 1 p.m. today.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky say snow is expected to develop in the area today and increase by this afternoon. There may be a small lull in activity during the afternoon, however snow is expected to increase tonight and become heavy at times. By the time it winds down late Sunday afternoon, between 7 and 14 inches of snowfall is a possibility.
Extended weather forecasts running through February 20th, including the three-to-four week outlook, is indicating below normal temperatures could continue, although below normal precipitation is also favored.
With the expected snowfall, area roadways are expected to become very slick and hazardous. All travel is being discouraged unless absolutely necessary. The Illinois Department of Trasnportation says it expects to have about 1900 trucks covering over 45,000 lanes of highways in the state.
Motorists are being reminded to give them plenty or room if they have to travel this weekend.
Forecasters say cold temperatures will also be a concern this weekend, with temperatures not expected to get above freezing through at least this Friday, and several nights near or below zero this week. For those needing access to heat, area warming centers have been established. In our area, warming centers are at the Xenia Fire House, First United Methodist Church in Albion at 129 East Main Street, the Little Wabash Fire Protection District in Grayville at 110 North Industrial Drive, the First Christian Church in West Salem at 209 West Church Street, Indian Creek Township Community Center in Norris City at 113 South Division Street, and the Hamilton County Courthouse in McLeansboro at 100 South Jackson Street.
With the weather several cancellations and postponements are expected. They can be viewed on our website at wfiwradio.com Those with a cancellation or postponement can click the link on the cancellations and postponements page.
Those needing area road conditions can view IDOT’s road conditions link at GettingAroundIllinois.com