winter storm watches issued as First significant snowfall of winter 18-19 targets southern illinois

Winter is making an early presence across our state this fall (yes technically it is still fall.) We've been dealt abnormally cold temperatures and a couple early season snows. These snows were relatively minor - as early season snows tend to be. That will change Wednesday night as the first real winter storm potential targets parts of southern Illinois. Early indications are some areas could pick up as much as 4-6 inches of snow with locally potential higher amounts.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches for the areas where the heaviest snow may fall. Mainly across Southern Illinois. We expect most of these areas to be upgraded to advisories as warnings as early as Wednesday morning.

Timing:
​Wintry precip, perhaps mixed with sleet and rain at first, should begin entering southern  Illinois late Wednesday evening

As temperatures fall during the night and the associated surface low strengthens, any mixed precip should change to all snow, and come down in moderate rates overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. The Thursday morning commute could be heavily impacted. 

The entire system will move northeast, with lighter snow and accumulations spreading as far north as Chicago and Peoria. In those places, much less snow is expected, perhaps a dusting to an inch. The areas downstate will experience heavier snow for a much longer duration and that is why we anticipate the heaviest snow there. The entire system should exit Illinois by Thursday evening, say around 8pm.
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SNOWFALL TAM: First Look
Below is our first TAM outlook for the upcoming event. An area of heavier snowfall will likely be added as trends continue to be monitored. Stay tuned for more updates as the event gets underway

Adam Lucio
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