Springfield, Illinois – A fast-developing fall storm is expected to spread heavy, travel-disrupting snow across central and eastern Illinois late Friday night through Saturday night, raising the risk of slick roads, low visibility, and difficult weekend travel from Galesburg to Danville.
According to the National Weather Service Lincoln, a Winter Storm Watch includes Knox, Peoria, Stark, Marshall, Woodford, McLean, Tazewell, Fulton, Mason, Logan, Sangamon, Christian, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Edgar, Shelby, Effingham, and surrounding counties. Snow is likely to begin after midnight Friday, with widespread moderate to heavy accumulation through Saturday. Totals may range from 4 to 12 inches, highest near and south of I-72 and along the I-55 corridor from Springfield to Bloomington.
According to forecasters, bridges and overpasses will become slick first as temperatures fall below freezing. Intense snow bands may produce sharp visibility drops on I-55, I-72, US-51, and IL-29. IDOT crews expect continuous plowing Saturday as snowfall persists. Gusty winds may create localized drifting east of Decatur and in open stretches near Charleston and Mattoon.
According to emergency managers, residents should consider delaying all non-essential travel during peak snowfall. Drivers who must be out should keep emergency kits, reduce speed, and allow wide braking distance. Early winterization of vehicles, checking tire tread, and ensuring wiper fluid is topped off will reduce breakdown risk. Those shoveling should take frequent breaks and watch for heavy, wet snow buildup. Pet protection and device charging are recommended ahead of potential outages in rural areas.
