Winter storm barreling down on central Illinois

DECATUR, Ill (WAND) - The first real wallop of winter is making its way towards central Illinois.

Despite the official start of winter not until Dec. 21 and meteorological winter arriving Dec. 1 -- a weekend snow storm will blanket the area with several inches of snow on Saturday.

As of Friday morning, the WAND Weather Team is expecting most of central Illinois to see snow from the storm.

Generally south of I-72 could see 3" to 6" while areas north of I-72 could see 6" to 12". Areas south of I-70 will see the least amount of snow. Areas towards I-74 will see the highest amounts.

Weather Blog: SNOW IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS: WHAT IS WEATHER OVERRUNNING?

Most of central Illinois is under a Winter Storm Warning, including Macon, Christian, Sangamon, and Logan counties. Areas east of U.S. 51 are under a Winter Storm Watch, but that is expected to be upgraded to a warning later Friday, according to WAND Chief Meteorologist Jim Kosek. Alerts are in place until at least 6 a.m. Sunday morning.

The storm is expected to begin with light precipitation in the western part of the state late Friday night into early Saturday morning. Snow will be more widespread overnight Saturday into the mornings hours. The fast-moving storm is expected to exit by early Sunday morning. Parts of southern Illinois and east-central Illinois could see varying amounts of snow due to a potential for a rain/snow mix.

Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly Saturday with high per-hour snowfall rates. Illinois State Police Troop 6, which covers most of west-central Illinois, said it expects to implement its "snow plan." ISP said it will complete property damage crash reports at a "later date and time," and will help stranded motorists get to a safe location while tagging their vehicle and adding it to a recovery list. Tow operations would be suspended and troopers will not wait on the side of roadways for tow trucks.

ISP recommends drivers who have to be out during the snowstorm to drive with caution and care.

Plan your travel, selecting both primary and alternate routes
Let someone know your travel routes and itinerary so that, if you don't arrive on time, officials will know where to search for you
Check latest weather information before leaving
Try not to travel alone - two or three people are preferable
Travel in convoy, if possible
Drive carefully and defensively and watch for ice patches on bridges and overpasses
If a storm begins to be too much for you to handle, get off the roads immediately
If your car should become disabled, stay with the vehicle, running your engine and heater for short intervals. Be sure to "crack" a window in the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide build-up

ISP also reminds drivers to have a full gas tank, especially when traveling in rural parts of the state.

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