DECATUR, Ill (WAND) - Most of central Illinois is under a Winter Storm Warning ahead of a Saturday snowstorm that is expected to drop several inches of snow.
Winter is still several weeks away from officially starting, but that has not stopped what will likely be the first "big snow" of the season.
The WAND Weather Team is expecting most of central Illinois to see snow from the storm.
WAND meteorologist 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?
Winter weather alerts are in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday.
Snow showers began falling across parts of west-central Illinois Friday evening. Snow accumulation will pickup overnight and into Saturday.
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.
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.
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