The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a winter storm warning for the entire listening area thru midnight Sunday, and a wind chill warning thru Tuesday morning.

The Weather Service says says a winter storm will move through central and southeast Illinois thru Sunday. Snow will overspread the area during the night, perhaps mixed with some rain initally south of I-70, then become widespread overnight and Sunday morning.

The snow should begin to exit from west to east Sunday afternoon, but extensive blowing and drifting snow will cause near blizzard conditions at times.

Expect the heaviest snow southeast of a Taylorville to Champaign line, and some areas near I-70 should receive around 10 inches.

After the storm exits, brutally cold weather, to a level not seen in many years, will overspread the region. Wind chills by Monday morning will range from 35 to 45 below zero, and persist through early Tuesday. Actual air temperatures will fall to at least 15 below zero over much of central and southeast Illinois Monday morning and Tuesday morning, and remain below zero during the day on Monday.

Residents should plan accordingly for near blizzard conditions Sunday, and record cold Monday into Tuesday morning. Stay tuned to Regional Radio for the latest weather information, cancellations, and closings. You can also click the “Cancellations and Closings” icon at taylorvilledailynews-dot-com and dewittdailynews-dot-com.