Bloomington, IL – Holiday travelers across central Illinois should brace for difficult conditions tonight as a major winter storm brings 6 to 12 inches of snow to large portions of west-central and central Illinois through Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the highest snowfall totals are expected near the I-74 corridor, stretching from Galesburg and Peoria to Bloomington and Danville, where 9 to 12 inches are possible. Heavy snow is also forecast along the I-57 corridor, a key north–south holiday travel route, where totals generally range from 5 to 10 inches, depending on where the strongest bands set up.
Communities including Macomb, Peoria, Lincoln, Bloomington-Normal, Pontiac, Champaign, and Kankakee are expected to see widespread heavy snow beginning this evening and continuing through Saturday. Forecasters emphasize that snow will be wetter and heavier in portions of east-central Illinois, where some areas could briefly change to rain before snowfall intensifies Saturday afternoon.
South of I-70, including cities such as Effingham, Vandalia, Greenville, and Robinson, snowfall totals will be lower—generally 1 to 4 inches—but uncertainty remains high due to varying precipitation types.
The National Weather Service warns that snowfall rates may intensify overnight, leading to snow-covered roads, slushy conditions, and reduced visibility. Holiday travelers heading north or south along I-57 between Champaign, Mattoon, Effingham, and Kankakee may face periods of hazardous travel and should allow extra time.
Plows will be active across major highways, but forecasters caution that road conditions may deteriorate rapidly during the heaviest bursts. Those traveling tonight or Saturday should monitor updates and consider altering plans as the storm evolves.
