The Illinois Department of Transportation announced this (Wednesday) afternoon that travel conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate from the impacts of a major winter storm that will be felt for several days, while urging the public to postpone all unnecessary trips. Since last night, more than 10 inches of snow has fallen in the hardest-hit regions of the state, with expected blowing and drifting, combined with falling temperatures, likely producing extremely dangerous travel conditions during the overnight hours and into Thursday.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation is using all of its available resources to keep roads as safe as possible, but we ask for the public’s continued cooperation by delaying nonessential travel and staying home,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. 

The National Weather Service as part of an ongoing winter storm warning is predicting another round of snow starting later today for much of central and southeastern Illinois, along with parts of the Chicago area, with the potential for 6 to 10 additional inches or more in some areas. Significant ice and sleet accumulations are possible south of Interstate 70 in southern Illinois, creating extremely slippery surfaces and slick conditions.

Winds in excess of 30 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow tonight and through Thursday, reducing the effectiveness of plowing operations and leading to treacherous conditions. Colder air is expected to bring subzero temperatures by Friday morning.

94.1 WGFA