The National Weather Service in Lincoln is continuing their winter storm warning thru midnight Sunday, and has extended the wind chill warning thru noon Tuesday.

The Weather Service says a winter storm will move through central and southeast Illinois today. Snow will increase in coverage and intensity this morning, perhaps mixed with some rain initially south of I-70. Heavy snow will be possible, especially across parts of east central and southeast Illinois where thundersnow will be possible late this morning into the afternoon hours.

The snow should begin to exit from west to east late this 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 where up to a foot of snow will be possible in a few locations.

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.

The Weather Service is asking motorists not travel unless absolutely necessary now thru Monday. Stay tuned to Regional Radio for the latest weather information, closings and cancellations. Complete storm coverage can also be found on taylorvilledailynews-dot-com and dewittdailynews-dot-com.