Editor’s note: Find the latest updates on the approaching snowstorm here.
Communities across much of Illinois will likely experience heavy snow, ice and blizzards as a significant winter storm hits the Midwest this weekend.
However, those in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana will mostly be in the clear.
According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes, “there will be a strong gradient of significantly lower totals over the northern edge” of the system. For those on the southern edge, ice and potentially severe weather are more likely.
The winter storm system is expected to move across the Central Plains this weekend, dumping heavy snow in parts of Illinois early Sunday, with “significant impacts” in the southern part of the state, said Jeanes.
Forecast models show the possibility of 18 inches in the south-central part of the state. For example, snowfall totals are expected to range between 8 and 16 inches in Springfield, according to the NWS.
Winter Storm Forecast Map
So where can we expect to get the most snow?
Here is an overview of the latest screenings, Saturday afternoon:
In St. Louis, the National Weather Service warned of hazardous weekend travel conditions associated with the storm, with snow-covered roads and freezing rain possible.
“Avoid unnecessary travel, be prepared for power outages, and stay informed,” the NWS said.
The snowstorm will also affect Indiana, with a winter storm warning expected to go into effect at 10 a.m. Sunday. Five to 11 inches of snow are expected across much of central Indiana, with locally higher amounts possible, according to the NWS.
While details on the timeline remained uncertain Saturday afternoon, meteorologists said precipitation was expected to remain entirely snowy along and north of Interstate 70, with a period of sleet to the south.
A winter storm warning is now in effect Sunday through Monday across much of central Indiana with 5 to 11 inches of widespread snow expected and locally higher amounts possible. A winter weather advisory is in effect for north-central IN, where accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are possible. #inwx pic.twitter.com/LdY24bucRk
– NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) January 4, 2025
NBC Chicago
