Freeport, Ill. — A light but hazardous wintry mix developed across Stephenson County early Friday, creating slick travel conditions along U.S. 20 and IL 26 during the peak morning commute hours.
The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities reported pockets of freezing drizzle, sleet, and light snow moving across the county before daybreak Friday, with a light glaze of ice forming on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. While snowfall totals remain minor, even a thin ice coating sharply reduces traction during early-morning travel.
The greatest risk centers on roadways in and around Freeport, particularly along U.S. 20 from the Winnebago County line through downtown Freeport, and IL 26 north toward Orangeville. Secondary roads and rural routes east toward Dakota and west toward Lena also turned slick as surface temperatures hovered near freezing.
Weather officials said the wintry mix may result in a few trouble spots developing quickly on untreated pavement, especially during the early commute window before sunrise. Visibility remains mostly intact, but braking distances increase significantly on ice-coated surfaces.
Local impacts extend through nearby communities including Cedarville, Dakota, Lena, Winslow, and Ridott, where drivers encounter patchy slick spots rather than widespread snow cover. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and ramps ice over first.
The Illinois Department of Transportation urged drivers to slow down, leave extra following distance, and allow additional travel time Friday morning. Pedestrians were also advised to use caution on sidewalks and parking lots.
Conditions gradually improve after sunrise as precipitation tapers and temperatures inch upward, reducing the ice threat by mid-morning. No additional wintry precipitation is expected later Friday, but lingering slick patches may persist in shaded areas into the late morning hours.
