A winter storm will impact central and southeast Illinois, beginning Friday evening.

Winter Storm Watches are in effect along I-72 from Springfield west, and also
southeast from Springfield to Effingham and Newton. Snowfall amounts around 6-inches are likely in the watch area.

The snow will fall over an extended period of time, likely through Saturday night.

Minor river flooding is expected to continue through most of next week on the
Illinois River near Havana and Beardstown, but flooding on the Wabash River should
subside on Friday. 

The National Weather Service says if you have plans to travel, make sure your vehicle has a winter survival kit, keep fuel tanks full in case you get stranded and make sure any medicines are available in case travel becomes impossible.