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Dangerous winter storm to affect the Midwest.

Strengthening low pressure will track through Southern Illinois to the southern tip of Lake Michigan today. Totals of 3 to 5 inches are possible west of the Illinois River, with around 2 inches as far east as the I- 55 corridor. However, extreme winds expected to gust in excess of 50 mph this afternoon and evening, will drop visibilities to below one quarter of a mile in snow and blowing snow, resulting in blizzard conditions.

Blizzard Warning remains in effect until midnight CST tonight.

A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until midnight CST tonight.

Timing: snow beginning to spread into central Illinois. Snow is then expected through mid evening.
Accumulations: Total accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are likely by late evening northwest of the Illinois River valley, and 2 to 3 inches from the Interstate 55 corridor to the Illinois River, with locally higher amounts in areas around Galesburg and Northwestern Knox County.
Wind: southerly winds will shift to the northwest around and rapidly increase. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph or higher will be widespread this evening, and remain that high until around 9 pm.
Impacts: extremely difficult travel is expected, as the falling snow is whipped around by the strong winds. Visibilities will drop below a quarter mile due to blowing snow, especially in rural areas. In addition, the combination of rapidly falling temperatures and high winds will produce favorable conditions for the development of black ice on area highways. Drifting will also be an issue. Particularly on north south oriented roads and along the Interstate 155 and 55 corridors. The winds may also cause some tree damage and power outages.


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13 years ago. Rating: 2
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