Wed-Thur, Feb 22-23rd Winter Storm Update #4

​(11:00AM Wed, Feb 22nd 2023) Wednesday morning update on the winter storm that will continue to affect the state through Thursday, bringing multiple modes of weather to the state. With this update we have increased the severe t'storm risk expected across Central and Southern Illinois today, as well as increased the expected storm freezing rain ice accumulation across Northern Illinois based on observational trends. All other forecasts needed little to no change.

​Timing & Location...
•Severe T'Storm Risk: Now -  Wednesday evening, Feb 22nd: Central & Southern Illinois.
•Freezing Rain/Sleet/Ice Pellets: Now - Thursday midday, Feb 22-23rd: Far Northern Illinois.
•High Winds: Now - Thursday , Feb 22-23rd: Much of Illinois.
•Heavy Rain/Flooding: Now - Early Wednesday night, Feb 22nd: Northern & Central

Impacts...
•A level 1 to 2 severe t'storm risk is in place across Central and Southern Illinois, through early Wednesday evening. Isolated to widely scattered severe t'storms will be possible, posing a risk of damaging winds, hail and an isolated tornado.
•Periods of freezing rain, sleet and ice pellets are expected across far Northern Illinois, through Thursday midday. Ice accumulation of a glaze-0.10" to 0.25-0.50" is expected, along with a dusting-1" of sleet/ice pellet accumulation.
•Two periods of high winds are expected across all of the state, today and Thursday. Wind gusts of 30-50MPH are expected..
•Rainfall is expected across much of the state through early Wednesday night, with a corridor of heavy rainfall likely across portions of Northern and Central Illinois. Rainfall totals of 1.00-3.00" are expected in the heavy rainfall axis.

JP