(11:45AM - 1/30/20) A winter storm will be impacting the state and region, today through Sunday. This winter storm is expected to bring a significant snowfall, with several inches of accumulation expected across portions of the state.

Summary...
A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region today through Sunday, and is expected to bring a significant snowfall with several inches of accumulation to portions of the state. The storm system ejected out into the Plains last night into this morning. The storm system is expected to move eastward through the Mid-Mississippi Valley today, and eventually through the Ohio Valley on Sunday as it weakens. Model guidance has been and continues to be in overall good agreement regarding this event, with real time observations generally supporting. With this update we have expanded the heaviest snowfall corridor of 6-9" as model guidance has stayed consistent in showing higher amounts, and confidence has grown. Additionally, the gradient across Central Illinois was adjusted and tightened to account for the latest trends.

​Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Precipitation is expected to spread into Northern Illinois this afternoon. While portions of Northwest and North-Central Illinois may start as a period of rain or a mix, precipitation will steadily change over to snow as dynamic and evaporative cooling processes occur. Across Northeast Illinois, precipitation will be snow from the onset. Precipitation of  varying intensity will then continue through Sunday evening. The most significant period of snow will be from late this afternoon through early Sunday morning. During this time periods of heavy snow are expected, with high snowfall rates of 1-3" an hour likely at times, as well as the possibility for thundersnow. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 25-40MPH will be possible, late this afternoon evening through early Sunday morning.

Additionally, lake enhancement is expected across Northeast Illinois during the event, with a small window for lake effect snow on the backside as the storm departs the region.

Central Illinois...
Precipitation has been spreading into Central Illinois late this morning, and will continue to overspread the area through early this afternoon. Precipitation will then continue through Sunday evening. Across Central Illinois for areas south of I-74, much of the precipitation will generally be rain from the onset through Sunday morning. Beyond this time, areas of snow and snow showers are expected Sunday morning into Sunday evening. Across Central Illinois for areas along and north of I-74, this event will be mostly snow, outside of a period of rain or mix at the onset.

Southern Illinois...
Area of rain will first spread into Southern Illinois this morning. Periods of rain will then continue through Sunday morning. A period of mostly dry conditions is possible for a time Sunday morning, before colder air wraps in and snow showers become possible late Sunday morning through early Sunday night.

​What's expected...
A swath of snowfall totals of 6-9" is expected across Northern Illinois, with locally higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across Central Illinois. This event is expected to feature lower than average snowfall ratios due to marginal temperatures, meaning it will be a heavy/wet snow.

​Below is the snowfall forecast for this event.

JP

(11:00PM - 1/29/20) A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region, Saturday through. This winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, with several inches of accumulation expected across portions of the state.

Summary...
A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region Saturday through Sunday, and is expected to bring several inches of snowfall accumulation to portions of the state. The storm system will eject out into the Plains on Saturday, then moving eastward through the mid-Mississippi Valley, and eventually Ohio Valley on Sunday. Model guidance has been and continues to be in overall good agreement regarding this event. Little to no change was needed with this update.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Snow is expected to spread into Northern Illinois late Saturday afternoon and evening. Snow of varying intensity will then continue through Sunday evening. The most significant period of snow will be from late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. During this time periods of heavy snow will be possible, with high snowfall rates of 1-2" an hour likely at times, as well as the possibility for thundersnow. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 30-40MPH will be possible, late Saturday afternoon evening through early Sunday day morning.

Additionally, lake enhancement is expected across Northeast Illinois during the event, with a small window for lake effect snow on the backside as the storm departs the region.

Central Illinois...
Precipitation will spread into Central Illinois between mid Saturday morning and mid Saturday afternoon. Precipitation will then continue through Sunday evening. Across Central Illinois for areas south of I-74, much of the precipitation will generally receive rain from the onset through Sunday morning. Beyond this time, areas of snow and snow showers are expected Sunday morning into Sunday evening. Across Central Illinois for areas along and north of I-74, this event will be mostly snow, outside of a mix at the onset.

Southern Illinois...
Area of rain will first spread into Southern Illinois Saturday morning. Periods of rain will then continue through Sunday morning. As colder air wraps in, snow showers will become possible Sunday afternoon and evening, before precipitation exits the state.

​What's expected...
A swath of snowfall totals of 4-7" is expected across Northern Illinois, with locally higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across Central Illinois. This event is expected to feature lower than average snowfall ratios due to marginal temperatures, meaning it will be a heavy/wet snow.

​Below are the snow and ice forecasts for this event.

JP

(11:45AM - 1/29/20) A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region, Saturday through. This winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, with several inches of accumulation expected across portions of the state.

​Summary...
A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region Saturday through Sunday, and is expected to bring significant snowfall accumulation to portions of the state. The storm system will eject out into the Plains on Saturday, then moving eastward through the mid-Mississippi Valley and eventually Ohio Valley on Sunday. Model guidance has been showing the potential for a winter storm during this period for several days now. Model guidance has been and continues to be in good agreement overall regarding this event. However, here is a small amount of disagreement on where the heaviest axis of snowfall will set up. With this update we have introduced a corridor of 6-9" expected snowfall totals, otherwise little other changes were needed due to continued model continuity.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Snow is expected to spread into Northern Illinois late Saturday afternoon and evening. Snow of varying intensity will then continue through Sunday evening. The most significant period of snow will be from late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. During this time periods of heavy snow will be possible, with high snowfall rates of 1-2" an hour likely at times. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 30-40MPH will be possible, late Saturday afternoon evening through early Sunday day morning.

Additionally, lake enhancement is expected across Northeast Illinois during the event, with a small window for lake effect snow on the backside as the storm departs the region.

Central Illinois...
Precipitation will spread into Central Illinois between mid Saturday morning and mid Saturday afternoon. Precipitation will then continue through Sunday evening. Across Central Illinois for areas south of I-74, much of the precipitation will generally receive rain from the onset through Sunday morning. Beyond this time, areas of snow and snow showers are expected Sunday morning into Sunday evening. Across Central Illinois for areas along and north of I-74, this event will be mostly snow, outside of a mix at the onset.

Southern Illinois...
Area of rain will first spread into Southern Illinois Saturday morning. Periods of rain will then continue through Sunday morning. As colder air wraps in, snow showers will become possible Sunday afternoon and evening, before precipitation exits the state.

​What's expected...
A swath of snowfall totals of 4-7" is expected across Northern Illinois, with locally higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across Central Illinois. This event is expected to feature lower than average snowfall ratios due to marginal temperatures, meaning it will be a heavy/wet snow.

​Below are the snow and ice forecasts for this event.

JP

(10:00PM - 1/28/20) A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region, Saturday through. This winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall accumulation to portions of the state.

Summary...
A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region Saturday through Sunday, and is expected to bring significant snowfall accumulation to portions of the state. The storm system will eject out into the Plains on Saturday, then moving eastward through the mid-Mississippi Valley and eventually Ohio Valley on Sunday. Model guidance has been showing the potential for a winter storm during this period for several days now. While is winter storm is now expected, there is still a bit uncertainty regarding track and strength of this system...Which will affect the location of the snowfall axis and snowfall amounts. However, it should be noted that at this time the spread among model guidance is relatively small for this range, and the amount of overall agreement is high. With this update little in the way of change was needed, due to continued model continuity.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Snow is expected to spread across Northern Illinois late Saturday afternoon and evening. Snow of varying intensity will then continue through late Sunday afternoon or evening. The most significant period of snow will be from late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. During this time periods of heavy snow will be possible, with high snowfall rates in excess of 1" an hour likely at times. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 30-40MPH will be possible, late Saturday afternoon evening through early Sunday day morning.

Additionally, lake enhancement is expected across Northeast Illinois during the event, with a small window for lake effect snow on the backside as the storm departs the region.

Central Illinois...
Precipitation will spread across Central Illinois later Saturday afternoon. Precipitation will then continue through Sunday afternoon. For much of the event, areas south of I-74 will generally receive rain (Ending as snow showers), while areas along and north of I-74 receive mostly snow.

Southern Illinois...
Areas of rain will spread into Southern Illinois Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon. Periods of rain will then continue through Sunday morning, before precipitation ends as rain/snow showers Sunday afternoon and evening.

What's expected...
A swath of snowfall totals of 4-7" is expected across Northern Illinois, with locally higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across Central Illinois. This event is expected to feature lower than average snowfall ratios due to marginal temperatures, meaning it will be a heavy/wet snow.

​Below are the snow and ice forecasts for this event.

JP

(11:45AM - 1/28/20) A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region, Saturday through. This winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall accumulation to portions of the state.

Summary...
A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region Saturday through Sunday, and is expected to bring significant snowfall accumulation to portions of the state. The storm system will eject out into the Plains on Saturday, then moving eastward through the mid-Mississippi Valley and eventually Ohio Valley on Sunday. Over the past several days model guidance has been honing in on the potential for yet another winter storm to affect the region and state, Saturday through Sunday. While the potential for a winter storm to affect the state is now likely, there is still a bit uncertainty regarding track and strength of this system...Which will affect the location of the snowfall axis and snowfall amounts. However, it should be noted that at this time the spread among model guidance is relatively small for this range, and the amount of overall agreement is high.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Snow is expected to spread across Northern Illinois late Saturday afternoon and evening. Snow of varying intensity will then continue through late Sunday afternoon or evening. The most significant period of snow will be from late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. During this time periods of heavy snow will be possible, with high snowfall rates in excess of 1" an hour likely at times. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 30-40MPH will be possible, late Saturday afternoon evening through early Sunday day morning.

Additionally, lake enhancement is expected across Northeast Illinois during the event, with a small window for lake effect snow on the backside as the storm departs the region.

Central Illinois...
Precipitation will spread across Central Illinois later Saturday afternoon. Precipitation will then continue through Sunday afternoon. For much of the event, areas south of I-74 will generally receive rain (Ending as snow showers), while areas along and north of I-74 receive mostly snow.

Southern Illinois...
Areas of rain will spread into Southern Illinois Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon. Periods of rain will then continue through Sunday morning, before precipitation ends as rain/snow showers Sunday afternoon and evening.

​What's expected...
A swath of snowfall totals of 4-7" is expected across Northern Illinois, with locally higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across Central Illinois. This event is expected to feature lower than average snowfall ratios, meaning it will be a heavy/wet snow.

​Below are the snow and ice forecasts for this event.

JP

(7:00PM - 1/27/21) A storm system is expected to move through the region, Saturday through Sunday. This storm system has the potential to bring accumulating snow to portions of the state.

Summary...
​Over the past several days model guidance has been honing in on the potential for yet another winter storm to affect the region and state, Saturday through Sunday. While the potential for a winter storm to affect the state has been steadily increasing, there is still a bit uncertainty regarding track and strength of this system...Which will affect the location of the snowfall axis and snowfall amounts. However, it should be noted that at this time the spread among model guidance is relatively small for this range.

What we know...
-A storm system will move through the region Saturday through Sunday.
-Precipitation will spread across the state, midday Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.
-An axis of snow will slice across the state, with Northern Illinois being favored at this time...Potentially into portions of Central Illinois as well.
-Several inches of accumulating snow is possible where the main axis sets up.

What we don't know...
-The exact track and strength of the storm system.
-The location of the snowfall axis, and expected snowfall amounts.

JP

(10:00PM - 1/26/21) A storm system will move through the region on Wednesday, bringing a minor/nuisance accumulating snowfall to Central and Southern Illinois.

​Summary...
A storm system will move through the region on Wednesday, bringing a a minor/nuisance accumulating snowfall to Central and Southern Illinois. Model guidance has been and continues to be in good agreement regarding this event. With this update we have increased expected snowfall totals a bit over portions of Central and Southern Illinois, as confidence has grown in the outcome.

​Forecast...
​Areas of snow are expected to spread across Central and Southern Illinois, Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. This storm system will be moisture starved, which will keep this a minor event.

​What's Expected...
Final snowfall totals upwards of 1-3" are expected across a large portion of Central and Southern Illinois, tapering to a dusting to 1"  across Central Illinois.

​Below is the snowfall forecast for this event.

JP

(11:45AM - 1/26/21) A storm system will move through the region on Wednesday, bringing a minor/nuisance accumulating snowfall to Central and Southern Illinois.

​Summary...
A storm system will move through the region on Wednesday, bringing a a minor/nuisance accumulating snowfall to Central and Southern Illinois. Model guidance has been and continues to be in good agreement regarding this event.

​Forecast...
​Areas of snow and snow showers are expected to spread across Central and Southern Illinois, Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. This storm system will be moisture starved, which will keep this a minor event.

​What's Expected...
Final snowfall totals upwards of a dusting to 1" or so are expected across much of Central and Southern Illinois. Isolated higher amounts will be possible.

​Below is the snowfall forecast for this event.

JP

(11:45AM - 1/25/20) A winter storm is impacting the state and region, today through Tuesday. This winter storm is expected to bring accumulating snow, sleet and ice to portions of the state.

Summary...
A winter storm is impacting the state and region today through Tuesday, and is expected to bring accumulating snow, ice and sleet to portions of the state. The storm system ejected out into the Plains last night, and is expected to push eastward into the Great Lakes through Tuesday...as it slowly shears out and weakens, encountering blocking to the northeast. Model guidance has had a tough time getting a handle on this event, even as it has been ongoing to our west across the Plains today. A drying trend on model guidance was noted over the past 24-36 hours, which lead to us cutting snowfall total a bit across Northern Illinois. However, several inches of snowfall accumulation is still expected.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Snow is expected to spread across Northern Illinois mid to late afternoon today. Snow of varying intensity will then continue through Tuesday afternoon, except in Northeast Illinois where periods of lake effect snow will continue into Wednesday. The most significant period of snow will be from late this afternoon through early Tuesday morning. During this time periods of moderate to even heavy snow will be possible, with snowfall rates in excess of 1" an hour possible at times. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 30-40MPH will be possible, this afternoon through Tuesday morning. The combination of the snow and wind will lead to very low visibility and blowing/drifting snow at times, especially out towards the Quad Cities and the IL/IA border area and in Northeast Illinois near Lake Michigan.

As hinted at in the above paragraph, lake effect snow was mentioned for Northeast Illinois. It is likely that that lake enhanced snow will be seen during the storm, from this afternoon through Tuesday afternoon...After which time periods of pure lake effect will be possible from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Central Illinois...
An initial area of precipitation spread across Central Illinois this morning, then continuing, in the for of a mix of snow/sleet/freezing rain. This area of mix will exit Central Illinois by early afternoon, leading to a period of generally dry conditions during the afternoon int he dry slot of the storm system. Precipitation will start to develop and spread back into Central Illinois during the mid to late afternoon today, then continuing in periods through Tuesday morning. South of I-72 will generally see rain for the duration of the event, though a mix is possible at times. Near/along and north of I-72 will see a mix of snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain, though freezing rain is expected to dominate in a corridor across Central Illinois.

Southern Illinois...
Rain spread into Southern Illinois last night and has been heavy at times, with scattered t'storms occurring as well. The most organized and widespread rains will continue through this afternoon, before ending. Afterwards, periods of scattered showers will then be possible from this afternoon through Tuesday morning. Rainfall totals in excess of 1.00" are expected across far Southern Illinois.

What's expected...
A swath of heavy snowfall totals of 5-9" is expected across Northern Illinois, with isolated higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across across Western Illinois and along I-80 in Northern Illinois. Ice accumulation upwards of a glaze to 0.15" is expected in an axis across Central Illinois.

​Below are the snow and ice forecasts for this event.

JP

(10:00PM - 1/24/20) A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region, Monday and Tuesday. This winter storm is expected to bring accumulating snow, sleet and ice to portions of the state.

Summary...
A winter storm is expected to impact the state and region on Monday and Tuesday, and is expected to bring accumulating snow, ice and sleet to portions of the state. The storm system will eject out into the Plains tonight and Monday, then moving eastward and eventually into the Great Lakes on Tuesday as it slowly shears out and weakens...as it encounters blocking to the northeast. Model guidance continues to attempt to hone in on a general outcome for this event, though some disagreement and changes continue to exist t this time. The track of the storm system and general location of the snowfall/ice corridors finally appears to be in place. However, as was mentioned in our update earlier today, there has been a drying trend in model guidance over the past 24 hours. We first reflected this in our midday update today by trending down expected snowfall totals a bit, and have done so again with this update as the drying trend in model guidance has continued.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
Snow is expected to spread across Northern Illinois Monday afternoon and evening. Snow of varying intensity will then continue through Tuesday afternoon, except in Northeast Illinois where periods of lake effect snow will continue into Wednesday. The most significant period of snow will be from late Monday afternoon or evening through early Tuesday morning. During this time periods of moderate to even heavy snow will be possible, with snowfall rates in excess of 1" an hour possible at times. In addition to the snow, wind gusts of 30-40MPH will be possible, Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. The combination of the snow and wind will lead to very low visibility and blowing/drifting snow at times, especially out towards the Quad Cities and the IL/IA border area.

As hinted at in the above paragraph, lake effect snow was mentioned for Northeast Illinois. It is likely that that lake enhanced snow will be seen during the storm, from Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon...After which time periods of pure lake effect will be possible from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

Central Illinois...
Precipitation will spread across Central Illinois Monday morning, then continuing in periods through Tuesday morning. South of I-72 will generally see rain for the duration of the storm, though a mix is possible at times. Along and north of I-72 will see a mix of snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain, though freezing rain is expected to dominate in a corridor across Central Illinois.

Southern Illinois...
Rain will spread into Southern Illinois later tonight, and will then continue in periods through Monday night. Isolated t'storms will be possible at times. Rainfall totals in excess of 1.00" are expected across far Southern Illinois.

What's expected...
A swath of heavy snowfall totals of 5-9" is expected across Northern Illinois, with isolated higher amounts possible. There will be a sharp gradient where snowfall totals rapidly taper across across Western Illinois and along I-80 in Northern Illinois. Ice accumulation upwards of a glaze to 0.15" is expected in an axis across Central Illinois.

​Below are the snow and ice forecasts for this event.

JP