URBANA – The National Weather Service in Central Illinois has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Champaign County and much of Central Illinois until noon on Monday. IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard is forecasting winter storm conditions with heavy snow and blustery winds possible on Sunday afternoon and night. Look below for local news updates on road conditions, schools, snow removal, and more.
Click here for Illinois Winter Road Conditions
Click here for the latest forecasts
| LOCAL AREAS | SNOW REMOVAL INFORMATION | WARMING CENTERS AND RESOURCES |
| Champaign | Street Snow Removal | Emergency Shelters |
| Danville | Major streets plowed first | Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency |
| Decatur | Snow Route Maps | Decatur Warming Centers |
| Mahomet | Designated Snow Routes | |
| Rantoul | Snow Routes Map | Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner |
| Urbana | Snow Information | Winter Emergency Services |
| Illinois | Illinois State Police |
Updated Monday at 12:04 p.m.
The National Weather Service winter storm warning has ended for Champaign- Urbana and much of Central Illinois, but the warning remains in effect for much of the southeast part of the state, and many roads remain covered with snow. Officials are urging those who need to drive to exercise caution, take it slow and maintain distance behind other motorists. Although the snow has diminished or stopped entirely, highway conditions remain hazardous in central Illinois. State police spokesperson, Trooper doing Chappelle, said they helped about 70 motorists this morning in the nine-county troop seven area, which includes Champaign, vermillion and Macon counties.
With the low temperature and the remaining snow on the road, we are continuing to see slide off and property damage accidents, so we encourage drivers to take extra caution, give distance when following other vehicles, and be vigilant of the vehicles around you.
IDOT reports interstates are partly or mostly covered in snow or ice in the Champaign- Urbana and Danville area and completely covered in the Decatur area. In response to the winter weather, the city of Urbana is requiring residents downtown, near the U of I campus and along Philo road to clear snow and ice on public sidewalks adjacent to their properties.
City ordinances require property owners to clear the sidewalks for pedestrians and those who don’t clear a path may have to pay a fee. The winter storm conditions have also prompted multiple schools and regional organizations to adjust their operations. Offices and facilities in Champaign and Urbana are closed Monday. Residents can continue to access any essential services, including the police and fire departments as well as public works.
Updated Monday at 10:08 a.m.
The Illinois State Police are handling multiple traffic crashes and slid offs on I-74, I-72 and I-57. There is an overturned truck tractor semi-trailer in the roadway on the area of I-74 westbound at milepost 165. Traffic is moving by in the left lane. Troopers are on scene of a truck tractor semi-trailer on its side, traffic is flowing through the area on I-57 north bound at milepost 245. Police also handling multiple slide offs and traffic crashes throughout the area and urge drivers to use caution, reduce speeds until road surfaces improve, and move over for emergency vehicle and first responders.
Updated Monday at 7:30 a.m.
Most city and county government buildings are closed today due to the weather. Many local school districts have shifted to e-learning days. Parkland and Lake Land Colleges as well as Millikin University are closed today. Click here for a list of local closures.
IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard told IPM’s Kimberly Schofield that the snow is starting to end. But winds will continue to cause lower visibility until midday.
Updated Sunday at 9:15 p.m.
As the snowstorm continues to cross Central Illinois, the Illinois Dept. of Transportation says most roadways continue to be covered with snow and ice.
Updated Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
The winter storm conditions and ongoing snowfall are prompting multiple school districts and regional organizations to adjust their operations.
The City of Champaign is closing its facilities and administrative offices on Monday, according to a news release. Essential services will remain operational, including resources for emergencies and the city’s storm response.
Both Danville School District 118 and Urbana School District 116 are shifting to hold E-Learning days Monday instead of in-person attendance days.
The Urbana Park District closed at 4 p.m. today and will remain closed tomorrow. The park district says it will reopen on Tuesday.
Lake Land College will be closed Monday due to the winter storm.
Several health organizations are also responding to the inclement weather. That includes the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, which has locations in Champaign and Rantoul that will be closed tomorrow.
VA Illiana clinics in Decatur, Mattoon and Springfield are operating on a delayed start tomorrow, opening at 9 a.m. The clinics will be contacting patients to reschedule any appointments planned for before 9 a.m.
Updated Sunday at 1:40 p.m.
CHAMPAIGN – As forecasted by meteorologist Andrew Pritchard, the snowfall in Champaign-Urbana intensified around midday. There were few vehicles out in the downtown areas but snow removal crews were getting started. Here’s a short video of what we found.
Updated Sunday at 12:40 p.m.
URBANA – According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Getting Around Illinois, most major highways in Champaign and Vermilion Counties are mostly covered with ice and snow. And most roads from Springfield to Danville to Effingham and in between are covered in ice and snow. Click here for the latest winter road conditions.
Sunday at 8:40 a.m.
CHAMPAIGN – Because of the winter storm, the Champaign Public Library and The Urbana Free Library are closed Sunday.
Updated Saturday at 7:20 a.m.
CHAMPAIGN – Because of the winter storm, the Champaign Parks District says it will close all public programs and facilities starting Sunday at noon through the end of Monday. The park district will reopen on Tuesday morning if weather and road conditions have improved.
Updated Friday at 2:48 p.m.
CHAMPAIGN– The City of Champaign Public Works Department is preparing to deploy resources to address the snowstorm that is expected to hit Central Illinois on Sunday and go on until Monday. Current forecasts are calling for more than four inches of total snow accumulation locally.
The snow may be preceded by sleet or freezing rain. The precipitation will also be accompanied by gusty winds.
“We are following the plans outlined in the City’s Snow and Ice Control Plan. Based on this current forecast Public Works crews will report for duty Sunday morning and we will continue around the clock operations until the snow and ice control plan actions are complete,” Public Works Operations Manager Cory Conrad said in a statement.
In a news release, the city said that due to a significant amount of snowfall forecast, followed by falling temperatures, snow may remain on the ground for a longer period than usual.
Residents are encouraged to stay home, if possible, to allow Public Works crews to safely clean and clear roadways. Those who have to travel are advised to use appropriate precautions when driving, leave early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and be cautious around snowplows.
Whenever possible, motorists are encouraged to keep the streets free of parked vehicles during this time to expedite plowing efforts. The City recommends using alternate off-street parking locations (such as the Hill Street Parking Deck in Downtown) in lieu of parking on the street.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the City’s website (champaignil.gov/snow), and CGTV cable channel 5 for updates.
Updated Friday at 11:46 a.m.
The Alzheimer’s Association is urging caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients to take extra precautions in times of inclement weather. People with Alzheimer’s may have impaired judgment or trouble communicating discomfort, making them especially vulnerable.
Wandering is a big concern during the winter. “60% of those with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point,” the association said in a news release. “With over 250,600 individuals living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois, wandering can be life-threatening, especially in freezing temperatures.”
The Alzheimer’s Association has tips on communication, managing confusion, and identifying triggers for wandering.
If a loved one goes missing, family members and caregivers should call 911 immediately so an Illinois Silver Search or public notification can be issued.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides essential resources, including more safety tips found here and a 24/7 Helpline for support anytime at 1-800-272-3900.
Updated Friday at 11:25 a.m.
The Champaign-Urbana Safe Routes to School Project is sponsoring a volunteer-based snow removal program with the support from Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District and an IDOT Safe Routes to School grant.
Updated Friday at 8:00 a.m.
RANTOUL – The Village of Rantoul has declared a snow emergency starting Sunday at 7:00 a.m. The emergency means vehicles must be moved from designated snow routes so plows can clear the snow without any problems.
URBANA – Central Illinois received some light snow overnight but meteorologists say a lot more winter weather is headed our way. The National Weather Service has placed Champaign-Urbana and much of central Illinois under a Winter Storm Watch from late Saturday night and lasting until Monday at noon. Several inches of snow and very cold conditions are in the forecast. IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard is tracking the storm.