The National Weather Service in Lincoln says a major winter storm will affect the Midwest this weekend. A winter storm warning is in effect northwest of the IL river Saturday and Saturday night. A freezing rain advisory is posted southeast of the IL river to along the I-55 corridor on Saturday.

As temperatures slowly climb on Saturday, the freezing rain will change to rain across areas southeast of the IL river Saturday afternoon and evening. Up to a tenth inch of ice is possible along and northwest of I-55 with around a quarter inch northwest of the IL river. As temperatures cool again Saturday night, the freezing rain will shift back eastward, toward I-55.

Further northwest across the Illinois River Valley the freezing rain may persist through Saturday evening and turn to snow after midnight Saturday night. At this time, it appears the highest threat for a significant ice accumulation will be northwest of the Illinois river.

As colder air arrives, the precipitation will change to snow in most of the area on Sunday, with 2 to 3 inches of snow likely along and northwest of the Illinois River with 1 to 2 inches of snow southeast of the Illinois river.

In addition to the winter weather, heavy rain will be likely across portions of central Illinois and southeast Illinois, starting overnight Friday night through Saturday night.

A Flood Watch is in affect for areas along and southeast of a line from Taylorville to Decatur to Champaign, where rainfall amounts of one-point-5 to-3 inches will be possible with up to 4 inches possible by the Wabash River near Lawrenceville.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio for further updates on this winter storm.