A major winter storm is set to impact the Midwest this weekend, bringing the largest snowfall totals the region has seen in over a decade. Starting Saturday evening, states including Illinois and Indiana will face heavy snow, near-blizzard conditions, and potential freezing rain, causing considerable disruption and prompting travel warnings.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports dangerous winter weather conditions, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel as the storm approaches. Missouri's Boone County Department of Transportation has already closed Boone County Route UU and Route O due to adverse weather conditions, effective as of 2 p.m. Saturday.
"Avoid traveling in winter weather," the Boone County Fire Protection District advised on social media as residents braced for the storm.
The NWS predicts snowfall to start impacting the area as early as Saturday night, with central Kansas and Indiana being the first hit. The storm will move eastward, blanketing regions with at least eight inches of snow. Illinois, particularly its southern and central regions, is expected to be at the storm’s epicenter, with localized snowfall totals possibly exceeding 16 inches.
According to the NWS, winter storm warnings have been issued for roughly the lower half of Illinois. Gusty winds up to 35 miles per hour will exacerbate the situation, leading to hazardous driving conditions across the state.
Weather conditions across the Midwest will progressively worsen as the storm advances. Early Sunday morning, counties along the Illinois-Missouri border will see snowfall begin well before dawn, making travel increasingly dangerous.
“Heavy snowfall is anticipated across much of the region Sunday afternoon, particularly along the Interstate 74 corridor, including cities such as Peoria and Bloomington,” the NWS stated. Residents are warned to brace for difficult travel conditions, as the accumulation could accelerate, reaching rates of over one inch per hour.
Freezing rain and ice may complicate conditions, especially south of U.S. Highway 50. Areas of southeast Illinois could experience significant ice accumulation, leading to power outages and additional hazards.
By Sunday night and extending through Monday, the storm is expected to continue depositing heavy, blowing snow across most of central Illinois. Forecasters warn of treacherous driving conditions persisting through the Monday morning commute, with some locations possibly waking up to over a foot of snow, leading to paralyzed roads and challenging visibility.
The weather forecast for the Chicago area indicates it won’t be unaffected. Travelers can anticipate tricky road conditions on Monday, with the potential for lake effect snow adding to the complications throughout the day. Meteorologists urge motorists to exercise caution, slow down, and allow extra time for commutes. Lake effect bands may produce between one and three inches of snow due to off-shore winds from Lake Michigan, resulting in localized snowfall amounts varying greatly.
“Currently, projections for the city and surrounding suburbs indicate about 1.5 inches of snowfall,” NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes reported, emphasizing the localized nature of precipitation.
Overall, as residents across the Midwest prepare for this substantial snowstorm, authorities reiterate the importance of safety and caution. With the possibility of power outages, treacherous road conditions, and heavy snow accumulation, the message is clear: keep off the roads if possible and remain indoors during the height of the storm. The winter storm warning is set to remain effective until the storm subsides later on Monday, allowing time for cleanup and recovery as the region braces for winter’s full fury.
With predictions of one of the winter’s most intense storms, many families are stocking up on essentials and preparing for inevitable disruptions as winter hits full force. Keep informed of the latest updates, and as conditions evolve, prioritize safety and heed advisories from local authorities.