Central Illinois is bracing for one of the most significant snow events we've seen in the last few years in the mid-week.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service says we'll see rain that transitions to snow late tonight into the morning hours Wednesday and then it will snow through to the overnight on Wednesday night.

Shimon indicates normally around ten inches of snow is the equivalent of one inch of water. The early form of snow will be a little less than that but as it transitions to fluffier snow, it will become a little bit more than that ratio.

Only slight amounts of freezing rain or sleet are anticipated with this system and that will be limited to Wednesday evening and night as rain transitions to snow.

Shimon cautions the public to be cautious if you must travel. He says blowing and drifting snow will be an issue Thursday with near whiteout conditions a possibility.