Much of central Illinois is digging out this morning after a significant winter storm dumped seven to eight inches of snow across many communities, making travel difficult to nearly impossible in some areas.
Some of the highest totals were reported in Christian and Shelby Counties, where around eight inches of snow fell in and around Taylorville and Neoga. Just east and north of there, communities like Morrisonville, Edinburg, Mattoon, Pana, and Tuscola generally saw six to seven inches of accumulation.
Snow totals reported across the region include:
- Around 8 inches in Taylorville
- Around 8 inches in Neoga
- Nearly 7.7 inches in Morrisonville
- Around 7.2 inches in Mattoon
- About 7 inches in Edinburg, Pana, Tuscola, Coffeen, and Macon
- Six inches or more in parts of Moweaqua, Windsor, and Decatur
The heavy, blowing snow and ongoing cleanup efforts have left many rural roads and secondary routes snow-covered and slick, with drifting still a problem in open areas.
Local officials and emergency agencies are strongly encouraging people to stay home if they don’t absolutely need to travel. Crews are continuing to work to clear roads, but conditions can still change quickly, especially on less-traveled highways and county roads.
Even where plows have been through, snow-packed surfaces and icy spots remain, making stopping and turning hazardous. Officials say if you must be out, you should slow down, leave extra distance between vehicles, and carry a winter safety kit.
The storm moved through late Sunday into Monday morning as part of a large winter system impacting much of the Midwest, but central Illinois appears to have been right in the zone for some of the heaviest snowfall.
With temperatures staying cold, melting and refreezing could keep roads slick into tonight and Tuesday morning, so drivers are urged to continue using caution — or better yet, delay travel if possible.
