Bare ground...not for long

As an upper level low continues to spin through the Plains this afternoon snow showers will begin to overspread the region from west to east later this evening and overnight.  Now as it has been the past couple of snowfalls we've seen the main forcing from this system will come from the upper levels versus the surface.

Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for central Illinois and points south and southwest where higher accumulations are expected as the upper low moves through southern Illinois by Tuesday morning.  Right now we're looking at about 2"- 4" across the Stateline with the highers totals expected to the south.  There could be, however, a few locations around the area that could be closer to the 4" mark as this is looking like a prolong event for snow.

Skies will become mostly cloudy through the afternoon with highs expected to reach the low 30s.  The majority of the snow will likely begin to move in later this evening and overnight with a light to moderate snow by daybreak Tuesday.  As the low pulls off to the east by Tuesday afternoon the snowfall should begin to taper off to a few light snow by Tuesday evening.  High pressure will move in behind keeping a gusty northwest wind going Tuesday night into Wednesday.

We'll continue to monitor the progression of the snow as we go throughout the day and keep you updated should we need to change the forecast.

Headache in the South

Winter Storm Watches, Warnings and Advisories continue for many in the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys, the southeast and Mid-Atlantic states this morning creating a very messy and dangerous situation for residents there.  From several inches of snow to accumulating freezing rain, an area of low pressure will continue to produce snow and ice before moving up through the east coast by Wednesday.  While this might not seem like a big deal to folks up north, the south isn't used to this type of weather.  Numerous roads have been closed due to the snow and ice along with several impacts on air travel.  Interstate 30 west of Little Rock, Arkansas has been closed due to several accidents overnight.  Schools and many government businesses have been closed today simply because travel is not advised.  Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana have all declared a state of emergency. 

Some Fluffy Snow Headed Our Way Monday Night Thru Tuesday Night....

The ridge is finally shifting to the east allowing clouds from a weather system over the plains to oversprThe ridge is finally shifting to the east allowing clouds from a weather system over the plains to overspread the Stateline. It will not be as cold tonight with the cloud cover, and highs on Monday will be in the middle to upper 20's, which is about average for this time of year. Snow will overspread the area on Monday night, beginning in the evening in the western counties, and spreading across all of north central Illinois by midnight. Snowfall amounts on Monday night will probably range from 1" to 2" with the heavier amounts to the west of Rockford. Snow will continue on Tuesday with another 1" to 2" accumulating with the heavier amounts to the south of Rockford. Snow will diminsh to flurries and snow showers as the system moves off to the east on Wednesday. Some modified arctic air will follow in behind the sytem on Thursday. A genuine arctic cold front will push across the northern plains on Friday reaching the Stateline next weekend. There could be some snow showers and flurries associated with the influx of colder air from Friday thru Sunday. Temperature are expected to reach zero on Saturday night, and drop even lower on Sunday night. Highs Sunday and Monday will probably only be in the single digits.


By Meteorologist
Eric Nefstead

A Sunny Cold Sunday....

High pressure has finally taken control of our weather here in the Stateline.  A ridge of high pressure extends from Canada toward the southeast across Minnesota, central Iowa, across St. Louis Missouri.  Our region is still on the east side of the ridge, but close enough that the wind will diminish from the northwest early tonight to 5 to 10 mph.  It will be clear and cold overnight, but not exceptionally so, with a low in the mid single digits.  On Sunday it will be sunny and cold with light and variable winds.  Clouds will increase on Sunday night as a system over the plains begins it's approach on the midwest.  It will be cloudy on Monday, and light snow will begin on Monday night, and continue into Tuesday. There could be minor accumulations in the Stateline with this system, but right now it appears as if it will be in the 1" to 2" range of fluffy light dry snow.
By Meteorologist
Eric Nefstead

After All... It's January

A large cold area of low pressure is swirling both at the surface and aloft over the Great Lakes. Disturbances have been rotating around the low causing a brisk northwesterly wind bringing cold air into the Stateline from Canada.  There will be some snow showers this evening, and flurries after midnight, but not more than a dusting is expected.  The wind will be strong enough to take wind chills down to zero to 10 below overnight, and 5 to 15 below early on Saturday morning.  It will be partly sunny and cold on Saturday with a high in the upper teens along with a few snow flurries.  Sunday will be a mostly sunny day with a high in the low 20's.

Light Snow Now

Light snow will continue to fall across portions of southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois as an upper level disturbance moves through.  While accumulations are expected to be less than half an inch, the snow may cause a few slicks spots on roads and could reduce visibility within some of the heavier bands.  Please use caution this afternoon and evening when headed out.

The snow should begin to taper off as the upper level disturbance passes later this evening.

Flood Advisory has been Extended

As of this morning ice jams remain on the Rock River in Machesney Park resulting in the extension of the Flood Advisory until Monday afternoon.  Minor flooding was occuring in some yards and low lying areas near Shore Drive.  Right now the river level is at 7.9 feet and flood stage begins at 10 feet. 

Remember that ice jams can result in rapid fluctuations in water levels with little or no warning.   With the colder weather expected over the weekend and into next week additional ice formation will be likely.