Updated Saturday at 10:15 p.m. This post will be updated as new forecasts are posted.
CHAMPAIGN – On Saturday afternoon and evening, meteorologists are predicting much of Central Illinois will see freezing rain and icy roadways.
The National Weather Service in Central Illinois has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Ice accumulations up to 1/10th of an inch are expected. That is enough to make sidewalks and roads slick but not enough to cause widespread power outages.
A Winter Weather Advisory continues for the following counties in central IL. Slippery conditions remain possible through late tonight. Be alert for patchy slick spots on untreated surfaces even where an advisory is not in effect. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/yVuwTFsG38
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 9, 2022
The freezing line is lifting northward, though travel impacts will continue through this evening esp. on untreated roads. Take it slow and consider delaying any nonessential travel. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/rSZRBghmwO
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
Freezing precipitation has resulted in very slippery roadways. Although temperatures will warm this evening, very cold ground temperatures will result in lingering travel impacts through tonight. Slow down and consider delaying nonessential travel! #ilwx pic.twitter.com/1SXE5UpN9x
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
As temps warm late this afternoon through this evening, the freezing rain/drizzle will become all rain/drizzle. Slick spots will still be present on untreated surfaces, especially bridges & overpasses. Untreated parking lots & sidewalks could also be slick. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/7zfSx1jO1z
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
Take it SLOW out there. There are a lot of slippery spots and accidents that have been reported across the area. Avoid unnecessary travel if possible. #ilwx https://t.co/2WBRWQYtpV
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
Temperatures will be slow to break the 32° F mark this afternoon. This means roads will remain slippery into the evening hours. With multiple wrecks already reported on regional highways, please consider altering your travel plans. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/ZMMZhG5GG8
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
[1:15 PM CST]: Southbound I-57 near Effingham jammed at the I-70 interchange. Numerous accidents have been reported around the region. Avoid unnecessary travel this afternoon. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/zhpKerAH2R
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
I-72 from Decatur to Champaign and I-57 from Champaign to Effingham are both being heavily impacted by icy roads/accidents. Smaller highways are not much better.
This will not improve through the evening.
PLEASE avoid travel if possible. pic.twitter.com/5xo74JeG68
— Andrew Pritchard (@skydrama) January 8, 2022
We know freezing rain causes slippery road surfaces, but how does it develop? #ILwx pic.twitter.com/SiazgHFolW
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
Big ole layer of warm air a few thousand feet above our heads is the reason for the slippery Saturday vs a more desirable snowy Saturday.
Snow at high-levels falls into the warm layer and melts. We're below freezing near the ground so the rain freezes on contact. Bleh. pic.twitter.com/kih3j4e7ct
— Andrew Pritchard (@skydrama) January 8, 2022
IDOT traffic cam shows icy glaze and a backed up southbound lane of Interstate 57 in southern Champaign County. pic.twitter.com/PJ1EVxl1aF
— Andrew Pritchard (@skydrama) January 8, 2022
There’s already a thin layer of ice on surfaces in Champaign #Illinois. Thank goodness @champaigncity trucks are already out deicing. @skydrama @ChambanaWX @NWSLincolnIL pic.twitter.com/7zt3f0g0QR
— Reg News (@RNewsIPM) January 8, 2022
Freezing precipitation will move northeast today beginning around 10 am in the far southwest and then slowly progressing to the east and northeast later this morning through early this afternoon. A light glazing on untreated surfaces will be possible. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/rQORd5pIWX
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) January 8, 2022
Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect at Noon on Saturday until 9 PM Saturday night. Expect a light wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, possible changing over to rain mixing with a few snowflakes after dark. Primary impacts should be icy roadways and hazardous travel. pic.twitter.com/H9wqcNu7eO
— Chambana Weather (@ChambanaWX) January 7, 2022
Winter Weather Advisory for all of central Illinois tomorrow.
But not the fun kind of winter weather advisory. https://t.co/LQBVWoCa9F pic.twitter.com/B4a5brwlzV
— Andrew Pritchard (@skydrama) January 8, 2022