Pontiac, Illinois – Travel across central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana is expected to deteriorate Saturday as accumulating snow and bitter cold combine to create dangerous road conditions throughout the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST Saturday for Livingston, Ford, and Iroquois counties in Illinois, along with Benton County, Indiana. Snow totals of 2 to 5 inches are expected, with the highest accumulations developing near and south of U.S. Route 24. Temperatures in the single digits to lower teens will sharply reduce the effectiveness of road salt and plowing.
Snow is expected to overspread communities including Pontiac, Dwight, Fairbury, Gibson City, Paxton, Gilman, Watseka, Fowler, and Oxford from morning into the afternoon. Even well-traveled routes could become snow-packed, with slick conditions worsening on rural roads, bridges, and overpasses.
Transportation agencies across both states warn that hazardous travel may persist despite relatively modest snowfall rates. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time for travel. Non-essential trips should be delayed if possible, and anyone on the roads should carry warm clothing and a charged phone.
Road conditions can be monitored through the Illinois Department of Transportation and Indiana’s 511 system. The advisory is set to expire Saturday evening, but icy spots may linger overnight as cold air remains firmly in place.
