…WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM CST FRIDAY…
…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM FRIDAY TO NOON CST SATURDAY…
…WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected with a period of mixed precipitation along and south of a line from Sterling, Illinois to Fairfield, Iowa. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches, highest north of Highway 30, and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Northeast winds gusting as high as 40 mph. For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. Northwest winds gusting as high as 50 mph. For the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind chills possible. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest and west central Illinois and east central, northeast and southeast Iowa.
* WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 5 PM CST Friday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 5 PM Friday to noon CST Saturday. For the Wind Chill Watch, from Saturday evening through Tuesday morning.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult to impossible with significant blowing and drifting snow leading to occasional whiteout conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. For later this weekend into early next week, dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Moderate to heavy snow will overspread the area this evening from south to north. Some areas, south of Interstate 80 may see freezing rain and rain mixed at times before quickly changing back to snow. Late Friday afternoon into the evening, much colder air moves in along with very strong northwest winds which will lead to Blizzard conditions for parts of the area and potentially a flash freeze on roadways.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central Illinois…northwest Illinois…west central Illinois…east central Iowa…northeast Iowa…southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri. .
DAY ONE…TODAY AND TONIGHT
A strong winter storm will move into the area this evening and overnight bringing accumulating snow and gusty winds. A winter storm warning and winter weather advisory is in effect. Please see those products for more information.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY
A strong winter storm will be ongoing Friday morning across the area. This storm will bring 3 to 10 inches of snow to the area, mixed precipitation and strong winds with gusts up to 50 MPH. Significant blowing and drifting of snow is expected with near blizzard conditions possible. Please see the winter storm warning and advisory for more information. The coldest air of the season will overspread the area for the weekend into early next week. Wind chills of 20 to 30 below are possible at times from Saturday night into Tuesday.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…
Spotter activation will not be needed today or tonight.
Snowfall reports over one inch tonight will be appreciated.
***Courtesy of the National Weather Service***
