Central Illinois: Wind-Driven Snow Showers Could Snarl Travel Saturday

Wind-whipped snow showers could impair visibility and create treacherous travel conditions throughout Central Illinois on Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service’s Central Illinois office, cloud cover will rise late tonight as another frontal system moves across the region. Forecasters predict snow showers on Saturday, with gusty winds potentially reducing visibility over short distances, especially during larger bursts.

The National Weather Service stated that, while snowfall is forecast to be modest, the combination of wind and falling snow may cause abrupt changes in driving conditions. Roads can easily turn slippery, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces.

Temperatures are expected to linger near freezing on Friday evening, with highs ranging from the upper 30s to lower 40s on Saturday. These borderline temperatures enhance the risk of slushy accumulation during heavy snow showers prior to melting.

The agency said that while travel impacts may be localized and transitory, they could catch drivers off surprise, particularly during early morning or afternoon travel periods. When snow showers come through, visibility can reduce dramatically for short distances.

Residents are asked to keep up with the latest forecasts and be prepared for changing driving conditions. Allowing extra travel time and slowing speed during snow showers can help reduce the danger of a collision.

Looking ahead, the prediction predicts that circumstances will improve late this weekend, with quieter weather predicted Sunday and into early next week.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *