LINCOLN, Ill. — Drivers across central Illinois and into eastern Iowa could encounter icy roads before daybreak Thursday as light snow spreads southeast and temperatures fall below freezing overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, light snow will overspread much of central Illinois this evening, including Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana and Decatur. While initial snowfall may melt on pavement, temperatures are expected to dip below 32 degrees overnight, allowing leftover moisture to refreeze and create slick spots. Most communities will see around 1 inch of snow or less before precipitation ends prior to sunrise.
Farther west, the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities reports light to moderate snow pushing from Marshalltown through Iowa City to Mount Pleasant, with bursts of heavier snow possible at times. Roads in Muscatine, Burlington and Fort Madison are already cold enough for snow to stick quickly.
Travelers along Interstate 74, Interstate 55 and U.S. 34 should reduce speeds and increase following distance tonight. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first.
Conditions should gradually improve after sunrise Thursday as snowfall ends, but untreated roads may remain slick for the early commute. Additional advisories could be issued if temperatures fall faster than expected.
