FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow, mixed precipitation, and significant blowing
snow. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches and ice
accumulations of around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as
high as 50 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of north central, northwest and west central
Illinois and east central, northeast and southeast Iowa.
* WHEN…From 9 PM this evening to noon CST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult. Blowing snow could
significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will
impact the morning and evening commutes on Friday and anyone
traveling Friday into Saturday morning. Gusty winds could bring
down tree branches.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will overspread the area this evening
from south to north. Some areas, south of Interstate 80 may see
freezing rain and rain mixed at times with the snow. Later in
the day on Friday, colder air moves into the area along with
strong winds. Near blizzard conditions are expected and a
Blizzard Warning may be needed for portions of the area. How far
north the rain spreads during the day on Friday is uncertain at
the time so snowfall forecasts may change, especially along and
south of Interstate 80.