DECATUR, Ill (WAND) - Snow accumulations are adding up across central Illinois as the first major winter storm of the year impacts the area.
Several counties and cities have declared snow emergencies already and several events have been postponed or canceled as a result of the weather.
Most of central Illinois is under a Winter Storm Warning until 6 a.m. Sunday with some far southern counties along I-70 under a Winter Storm Advisory.
WAND meteorologists are expecting 3" to 6" along I-72 and south and 6" to 12" north of I-72. The higher snow totals will be towards Bloomington with lesser totals towards I-70.
Parts of east-central Illinois could see lesser amounts with a possibility of a rain/snow mix.
Weather Blog: SNOW IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS: WHAT IS WEATHER OVERRUNNING?
Snow showers started falling across parts of west-central Illinois Friday night. Snow accumulation will pickup overnight and into Saturday.
Road conditions are deteriorating quickly Saturday.
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.
The City of Springfield is under a snow emergency until 8 a.m. Sunday. That means parking is not permitted on streets that are designated snow emergency routes.
Several counties started issuing snow emergency Saturday morning. Sangamon County is under a Level 1 which applies to county roads only. That level means roads are snow covered and could be dangerous or hazardous. Drivers are encouraged to use caution.
In Morgan County, the City of Jacksonville declared a snow emergency meaning parking on snow emergency routes is prohibited. Drivers should give plow truck operators extra room, and anyone clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks cannot put snow into public streets. The snow emergency is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday.
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.
Saturday's forecast has canceled several holiday events including the Parade of Lights in Champaign and the Hometown Christmas Celebration in Effingham.
Illinois State University closed its campus Saturday which forced a postponement of several high school state championship games.
The University of Illinois will wrap up its regular season with a home football game against Northwestern. The school said everything will proceed as normal for the evening kickoff but recommended some parking changes.
Decatur Public Library closed Saturday due to weather and Decatur's annual Turkey Tournament canceled all games except the championship which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.
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