By WMBD TV

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – A winter storm will bring moderate snow to Central Illinois on Wednesday, with many areas seeing the biggest snow of the season so far.

Key takeaways

• Storm timing: 6 a.m. Wednesday through 3 am Thursday
• Heaviest snow expected Wednesday afternoon and early evening
• Difficult travel with snow covered roads expected areawide
• Wind gusts up to 25 mph could lead to some blowing and drifting snow in rural areas

Weather Alerts

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Peoria metro and areas along and west of the Illinois River. Bloomington/Normal is under a Winter Weather Advisory, where amounts will be slightly lower.

Snow will ramp up across Central Illinois Wednesday morning as an area of low pressure approaches from the west. Moderate to heavy snow with rates approaching 1 inch an hour at times will move across the area throughout the afternoon and early evening. This will result in hazardous travel making the afternoon and evening commutes from school and work difficult.

The snow will start a bit wet but turn a bit drier by the evening. Areas along I-55 will experience a wetter snow compared to those west of the Illinois River. This should limit the potential for widespread blowing snow when winds gust up to 25 mph.Check out our Winter Weather Map Room

Snowfall Forecast

Widespread snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected from Wednesday through Wednesday night. The heaviest totals are favored to fall along and west of the Illinois River while slightly lower totals are expected along and east of I-55. Most of our area will be all snow, but a wintry mix could creep into portions of McLean, Logan and De Witt counties for a time. As we get closer to the event, the data has decreased the amount of moisture. This has led to a slight reduction in forecast snow amounts.

Winter Storm Impacts

Moderate impacts are expected along and west of the Illinois River with minor to moderate impacts expected along I-55.

Moderate impacts are defined as the following:
– Expect disruptions to daily life
– Hazardous driving conditions
– Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur

Preparing for Travel

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold. Check the health of your car battery.
• Monitor the weather forecast, not just for the places you are leaving or heading to, but everywhere in between.
• Monitor road conditions along your route. In Illinois visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/WinterConditions/index.html
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent condensation from building in the tank.
• Keep a storm kit in your car which includes a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; a flashlight and batteries; non-perishable food; water; matches or a lighter; and jumper cables.
• Tell someone about your travel plans and let them know when you leave.
• Never leave the car running in an enclosed space such as a garage.