A Blizzard Warning in effect until midnight CST tonight. Snow will begin to spread into central Illinois. Snow is then expected through the afternoon through mid evening.

We can expect accumulations of 3 to 5 inches by late evening northwest of the Illinois River valley... and 2 to 3 inches from the Interstate 55 corridor to the Illinois River... with locally higher amounts possible.

Extremely difficult travel is expected as the falling snow is whipped around by strong winds. Visibilities will drop below a quarter mile due to blowing snow, especially in rural areas. Also, the combination of rapidly falling temperatures and high winds will produce favorable conditions for the development of black ice on area highways. Drifting will also be an issue, particularly on north south oriented roads and along the Interstate 55 corridor and along Highway 51 later this evening. The winds may also cause some tree damage and power outages.