Updated at 7:00 AM 1/11
Merely days following the recent system that brought up to 10 inches of snow to the state, we are now anticipating another significant weather system poised to bring substantial snowfall and strong winds to the region, commencing Thursday evening.
Once more, a low-pressure system is expected to traverse the state, accompanied by precipitation in the form of both rain and snow. This system appears to target the same regions that recently experienced a snowfall ranging from 5 to 10 inches.
So what can we expect
The system is anticipated to enter the region as early as 9 PM on Thursday. As it progresses, we generally anticipate rain south of a Quincy-Peoria-Chicago line and snow to the north of that line. Just along that line we can expect a mix of snow and rain with a brief window for heavy snow as the rain transitions back to snow.
Moving into Friday, snow is expected to persist and could pose challenges for the morning commute. As the system exits the state, we can anticipate the transition of all rain to snow. The speed of this transition will significantly impact snowfall totals, particularly in the southern parts of Central IL.
Highest snowfall totals look to be in the western portions of the state at this time. I’m currently going with a swath of 6-9 inches as the highest amounts due to model discrepancies, but don’t be surprised if I adjust some of the totals later tonight, especially in far NW IL.
Winds will be gusty with wind gusts to 50 mph at times. This could lead to blowing and drifting snow for some along with potential blizzard conditions. Would not be surprised to see blizzard warnings for some parts of Northern IL friday.
The rain/snow line remains an area of uncertainty, with the least confidence. A shift in the track could either decrease or increase totals, particularly along and just north and south of the Quincy-Peoria-Chicago line.
Cold temperatures and wind
As the system exits and cold air infiltrates the region, the combination of strong winds and temperatures plummeting below zero will result in low wind chills ranging from -15 to -35 across the area. Prior to the storm, take precautions to winterize anything susceptible to cold air, and remember to check on loved ones. Additionally, it’s advisable to have a winter kit in your vehicle if traveling, equipped with plenty of blankets to ensure warmth.
Takeaways
- Heavy Snow North of Quincy-Peoria-Chicago Line
- Heavy snow and high winds during Friday AM commute
- Mostly Rain South of Quincy-Peora-Chicago Line
- Gusty winds to 40 mph could create near zero visibility at time.
- Cold temps behind storm
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