Here’s an update on the snow forecast for southwest IL and when to expect it to arrive
Snow is still headed to the metro-east Friday night and Saturday, but it may arrive later than originally expected.
On Thursday, Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service of St. Louis, said the models showed the rain-snow mix starting around 6 p.m. Friday in the metro-east. However, on Friday afternoon, Elmore noted that’s changed to a 9 p.m. arrival with a rain-snow mix continuing until midnight, when the storm transitions to all snow.
Elmore also said Friday the region still can expect anywhere from 2-5 inches of snow.
“We’re generally expecting 2-5 inches in portions of the metro-east closer to the Mississippi River. As you go further into Illinois away from the Mississippi River, we’re looking at 2 inches or 1-3 inches,” he said.
Elmore still expects the storm to wrap up between noon and 3 p.m. Saturday.
On Thursday, Elmore said with temperatures sinking below freezing, the usual hazards are in play, particularly for untreated road surfaces.
“With the temperatures being below freezing through much of the event — and they will decrease through the day Saturday and into Saturday evening to well below freezing — we won’t see any problems with snow sticking on surfaces,” he said. “Parking lots that are not treated will see snow on them. We’ll see slippery road conditions and accidents — just the typical dicey road conditions for surfaces that aren’t treated.”
Temperatures should remain above freezing throughout Friday and into early Saturday. Then, Saturday afternoon into evening, temperatures will drop into the 20s and ultimately fall into the low 20s/teens overnight, Elmore noted.
Moreover, Elmore advised people to avoid travel if at all possible.
“If you don’t have to be out on the roads, don’t,” he said. “That decreases your chances of encountering slick spots. It also gives road crews time to treat those slick spots. Again, that’s the best way to stay safe is to be off the roads and let the road crews do what they need to do.”
The National Weather Service website recommends keeping plugged into the weather forecast as it develops.
This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 1:33 PM.