Carbondale, IL – A dangerous winter storm will slam southern Illinois beginning overnight Friday, with as much as 13 inches of snow expected by Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Sunday for all of southern Illinois, including Carbondale, Marion, Mount Vernon, and Harrisburg. The heaviest snow will fall late Friday night through Saturday, with whiteout conditions and rapidly worsening roads likely.
Snowfall totals could top 13 inches along a central band stretching from Jackson and Williamson counties east through Saline and Wabash. Additional impacts include sub-zero wind chills and the risk of being stranded if traveling during peak snowfall.
Drivers are urged to avoid travel across Interstates 57 and 24 during this period. IDOT is preparing plow crews but warns of limited visibility and rapid reaccumulation. Power outages may occur in some areas if wet snow builds on trees and lines.
This storm could intensify into Sunday with more bands of snow and sleet expected. Winter storm alerts remain active through 7 p.m. Sunday, and additional advisories may follow.
