Arrival of a winter storm in Central Illinois during peak holiday travel

IDOT is urging patience and caution while traveling later this week, especially around snow plows. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By 25 News

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – This incoming winter storm will barrel through Central Illinois right as people are trying to get to their holiday destinations.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says lower staffing levels mean plowing and treating roads will take longer, but don’t think it will severely impact their response.

AAA reports this will be the third biggest holiday travel season since it started tracking travel in 2000.

IDOT is urging patience and caution while traveling later this week, especially around snow plows.

“The road in front of the plow isn’t better than the road behind the plow. the other thing is if someone hits the plow and that plow has to be taken out of commission, then that’s going to mean it’s going to take longer to clear that road whatever stretch of road you’re on,” said IDOT spokesperson Paul Wappel.

IDOT also urges drivers to wear their seatbelts and keep an eye out for black ice.

25 News can be reached at [email protected].

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