Central Illinois is bracing for a dangerous stretch of winter weather, with extreme cold followed by a potentially significant snowstorm this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Christian and Macon Counties starting early Friday morning and running through noon Saturday. Wind chills are expected to drop to between 15 and 25 below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Forecasters are urging residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and bring pets inside.
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to the weekend, as a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for much of central Illinois, including Christian and Macon Counties. The storm is expected to arrive in two waves the first Saturday morning through early Saturday evening, followed by a second, stronger round of snow early Sunday through Sunday afternoon.

Right now, the Weather Service says 5 to 7 inches of snow is possible in areas including Taylorville and Decatur, with slippery and hazardous travel conditions expected.

Montgomery County is also expected to see impacts from the storm system, with forecasters warning that travel across the region could become difficult as snow and bitter cold combine.

Officials say now is the time to prepare — make sure you have supplies, check travel plans, and monitor the latest forecasts as the situation develops.