Springfield, Illinois – Drivers across central Illinois should prepare for slick roads and sudden drops in visibility Wednesday as a cold front sweeps through the state, shifting rain showers to snow and ushering in colder air.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, rain will transition to snow showers Wednesday as the front moves across the region. Wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph are expected, which could sharply reduce visibility during snow showers and create localized blowing snow. While most areas are expected to see less than an inch of accumulation, even light snow could lead to hazardous travel conditions.
The greatest impacts are expected during the Wednesday commute, especially on untreated roads, bridges, stairs, and sidewalks. Cities including Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Champaign, and Decatur may experience brief but intense snow showers capable of coating road surfaces quickly.
Temperatures will drop sharply behind the front, ending an unseasonably mild stretch. Highs in the upper 30s to lower 40s are expected Wednesday, followed by colder conditions Thursday with highs mainly in the upper 20s to lower 30s. Additional light snow chances may linger at times through Friday.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Officials caution that even minimal snowfall can lead to crashes when combined with strong winds and falling temperatures. More updates may be issued as the system moves through midweek.
