Editors note: this blog is no longer active and monitored. Get the latest on WCIA.com/weather.
Thursday 10:20p
SNOW REPORTS: Visit the link below to read snow reports from the National Weather Service and area weather spotters.
Submit a Snowfall report with your neighborhood by visiting Meteorologist Jacob Dickey’s page.
Thursday 9:50p
Southbound I-57 at milepost 229 is open.
Thursday 9:20p
Southbound traffic on I-57 at milepost 229 is being rerouted onto U.S. Route 45.
Thursday 8:20p
All lanes of I-74 eastbound at milepost 187 are open.
Thursday 7:10p
I-74 eastbound at milepost 172 has been cleared and the roadway is open. (Mahomet area).
Thursday: 6:25p
ISP District 9 units are on scene of a semi-truck crash with lane blockage on I-55 near the Toronto Road Exit in Springfield, south of I-72. North and South bound lanes are affected by this crash. Motorists are urged to slow down and yield to emergency personnel. The interstates around Springfield are icy and snow packed.
Thursday: 5:50p
Three more State Troopers were hit in the last 24 hours in Illinois. That makes the total of 6 squad cars struck by vehicles. The three this time were in Urbana, Muncie and New Lennox. Others occurred yesterday near Springfield and Mattoon.
I-74 is blocked near IL 47 near Mahomet. The EB lanes are being closed at Mansfield. State police are working to get the road shut down as multiple semis have crashed in the area.
I-57 traffic SB is being diverted at Curtis Road due to multiple crashes.
District 9 Troopers are handling multiple crashes on Interstate 55 southbound between the Elkhart overpass to the Williamsville overpass.
Motorist should avoid this area and seek alternate routes of travel. Motorist can expect delays and traffic flow slow to stop. Motorist should reduce speed and increase falling distance to assist with safe travel while passing through these area.
Lastly, Motorist should be mindful and aware of multiply first responders in the area and attempt to move over to provide maximum safety.
The National Guard is working to remove snow plows stuck on area freeways. They are active across the state.
Thursday: 5:30p
I-74 eastbound at milepost 187 is shutdown because of a semi-truck crash blocking both lanes. Traffic is being diverted to University Ave to US Route 150 on I-74 EB at MP 185.
Thursday: 5:10p
IDOT: Both lanes of eastbound I-74 are blocked at milepost 187, just past Urbana, due to a crash involving multiple semis. Officials said traffic is being detoured to University Avenue/US 150 (Exit 185).
Thursday: 5:05p
An ambulance in Champaign got stuck in the snow Thursday. It was at Erin and Katie Lynn drives. Fire officials got the call and were able to get the ambulance out.
Thursday: 3:54p
UPDATE (2/3/22 4:30 p.m.) — All lanes are now open.
State Police said there is a crash on I-72 eastbound mm 93. According to them, the left lane is blocked. People should be cautious or seek another route.
Thursday: 2:40p
Springfield Public Works reports there are semis getting stuck on roadways in the city. There is ice under the snow and truckers are having a nearly impossible time getting to their destinations.
Thursday: 2:30p
Cumberland County has been hard hit with both the snow and ice. The Cumberland County Development Corporation lists many closures of businesses in the county.
Here are businesses that are closed today, February 3rd or will be closing in the County. If a business is not listed, please send a message to us and we will update.
Toledo – Neal Center YMCA; Toledo Legion; Gentry’s Small Engine; Fillin’ Station; SBLHC Toledo Clinic; Toledo Pharmacy; All Cumberland County Buldings except Sheriff and Highway Department(Health, Courthouse and Annex); Cumberland County Farm Bureau; Ron’s Barber Shop; Sumpter Township Library; Bumble Bee’s; Life Center; First Neighbor Bank closed at 1pm; Hair FX Salon & Barbershop; Lucky Pig; Dollar General closed at 2pm
Greenup – Subway; Awesome Blossoms; Greenup IGA will closing at 4pm; Bergabower Chiropractor; Cumberland County Outreach Office and Food Pantry; Chances R; Greenup Legion; Exit 119 Pub; Greenup Legion; Cumberland County VFW; SIHF Heathcare; First Neighbor Bank closed at 1pm; Dollar General will be closing at 4 pm, if not already closed
Neoga – IGA closing at 1pm; Neoga Legion (Also will not be serving food on Friday, February 4th and no band on Saturday, February 5th); SBLHC Neoga Clinic; Dollar General; First Neighbor Bank closed at 1pm; Casey’s- Neoga closing at 5pm
**According to US Portal Service – there will be no mail in the post office boxes or on routes this includes packages from Amazon, etc. Amazon packages also will NOT be for the rest of the week. The office is still open to purchase stamps and mail things out
*****First Neighbor Bank closed all locations at 1pm today, February 3rd**
Thursday: 2:25p
Many roads are impassable in Ford, Iroquois, McLean and Livingston County. Colfax fire reports IL Route 9 and IL Route 165 are completely impassable. Other townships and officials have reported 4-8 foot drifts in the area. They are encouraging folks to stay off the road and delay any unnecessary travel.
Thursday: 1:23p
UPDATE (2/3/22 2 p.m.) — I-55 southbound is now clear. Motorists are still urged to slow down.
State Police are responding to a semi-truck crash on I-55 southbound at milepost 115. Traffic is encouraged to slow down in dangerous road conditions. The interstates around Springfield are ice and snow packed. Windy conditions are impacting visibility.
Thursday: 1:15p
1:15p Power Outage Numbers:
Moultrie County: 570
Shelby County: 555
Cumberland County: 132
Effingham County: 104
Fayette County: 149
Montgomery County: 153
Piatt County: 23
Even snow plows are getting stuck on the roads. This photo from Arcola was shared with WCIA.
Thursday: 12:50p
IL 10 in Clinton is shut down for a stalled vehicle per DeWitt EMS.
We’re hearing reports of a major pile-up on I-57 near Effingham. Also, I-70, reports of a major crash at the Greenup exit. IDOT has closed I-70 WB from Casey to Greenup, and the backup extends for miles into Clark County.
All roads should be considered hazardous, if not impossible to travel on today as blowing and drifting continues with snow still falling.
Thursday: 12:20p
Illinois State Police closes I-57 from Pesotum to Monticello road. They encourage no travel in the area.
Thursday: 12:10p
Live images shown on WCIA 3 News at 12p near Mahomet.
Thursday: 11:50am
A new closure of Exit 64 (Jacksonville) in Morgan County announced by ISP.
Thursday: 11:40am
A new closure of I-55 in Logan County at mile marker 115 (Elkhart) has been announced by ISP.
Thursday: 11:20am
Ford County Sheriff Mark Doran reports horrible road conditions in the area due to the blowing snow and ice.
Thursday: 11:15am
INTERSTATE CLOSURES AS OF 11:15am
Illinois State Police reports Interstate 57 is closed again SB at Pesotum due to a semi wreck. NB also remains closed due to a semi crash/fire.
Illinois State Police reports Interstate 55 is closed both ways at Williamsville, and parts of Route 123 is also closed in Sangamon County.
Thursday: 11:05am
Raw video from I-74 east of Champaign earlier today.
Also video from Tuscola this morning. We’ll have an incredible story about how a local business is keeping all the truckers fed tonight on WCIA 3 News.
Thursday: 10:40am
Several moderate in intensity snow bands are settling in and moving northeast. Some of these areas are seeing snow rates of greater than 1″ per hour. Snow continues into the afternoon.
Thursday: 10:20am
Illinois State Police report that Southbound I-57 at Pesotum is backed up but the wrecks are cleared and traffic can get through. Northbound remains closed due to a semi fire/wreck.
Thursday: 9:35am
Illinois State Police report a semi fire at I-57 NB at mile marker 221. The road is closed at US 45 and traffic is being diverted into Pesotum.
Thursday: 9:30am
Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty reports multiple slide offs and lanes blocked by semis on I-74 eastbound east of Champaign-Urbana.
Thursday: 8:30am
Updates from Champaign County Sheriff’s Office about road conditions.
Thursday: 7:40am
A viewer photo from overnight shows severe blowing and drifting of the snow near Saybrook on Route 9.
Thursday: 7:20am
I-57 SB is blocked by a jackknifed semi at US 45/Pesotum. Meteorologist Jack Gerfen brought us a live report from the StormTracker on WCIA 3 News’ The Morning Show on WCIX
Thursday: 6:55am
Viewers reporting numerous snow and ice covered roadways, with drifting on rural roads a major problem. Crews are working as hard as they can, but they are fighting the north winds and heavy snow in areas.
Thursday: 6:25am
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE: If you absolutely have to get out today to travel, MOVE OVER and SLOW DOWN upon approach of first responders! We will continue to respond to motorists in need which is our #1 mission during this storm. We appreciate all of the Illinois Department of Transportation employees who have been working around the clock alongside us to keep everyone safe! Remember, don’t crowd the plows!!
Thursday: 6:20am
METEOROLOGIST JACK GERFEN: Trucks from across the nation have parked in the Tuscola Outlet Mall’s parking lot to ride out the storm. There are dozens of them. #cILw
Thursday: 6:15am
From Mechanicsburg Township Road District on Facebook.
ROAD CONDITIONS
As everyone is probably aware, conditions are not great. Many roadways are impassable due to extreme drifting. With the 30-35 MPH wind gusts we will not be able to open up any roadways and keep them open until the wind speed decreases. If we attempt to open them with the high winds we will cause deeper drifting. The wind speeds are forecasted to decrease below 30 MPH gusts later on this afternoon/evening (4:00-6:00PM). We will assess the situation after daybreak and monitor the weather to determine the best course of action. Do not attempt to try to drive anywhere this morning. Township, County and State roadways are all currently drifted. Please stay home and we will get everything opened as soon as we can. Once again, if you have NO REASON whatsoever to be out please STAY HOME. Be safe. Stay warm.
Thursday: 5:35am
Interstates are 100% covered with snow and ice as more snow falls. Blowing and drifting is a severe issue, especially on east/west roads. We’ve got live reports on WCIA 3 News this morning.
Many rural roads are impassable. Multiple counties have pulled plows and will resume later on today. Assume the worst when it comes to road conditions.
Thursday: 5:30am
Widespread snow and gusty winds continuing across the area causing blowing and drifting conditions out there.
LIVE RADAR: WCIA 3 Weather Radar
Thursday: 5:20am
DISTRICT 10 ILLINOIS STATE POLICE UPDATE: Snow removal operations are in effect. Do not park on the shoulder of the interstate. Please find a safe place off the roadway if you need to stop.
Thursday: 4:30am
Round 2 of snow is here, bringing blowing and drifting snow areawide. Higher snow totals will fall towards I-70, but all of us are dealing with the blowing and drifting. Roads are essentially mostly or totally covered in the area, and interstates/highways remain difficult to travel on. Many side roads are difficult, if not impassible, especially where plows have not touched.
Here are the latest winter weather alerts. Winter storm warnings continue with Winter Weather Advisories for McLean and Livingston counties.
Thursday: 1:00am
Round 2 of snow moving in. We can expect another 2″-4″ for areas especially along and south of I-72 & I-74.
Wednesday: 11:00pm
From Meteorologist Jacob Dickey: TONIGHT / THURSDAY: While 3-6″ of snow doesn’t sound like much, wind gusts of 30-40 mph will lead to near whiteout conditions, and roads are already in terrible shape. Underneath the snow, there is a layer of ice that is leading to many many wrecks in the area tonight. Many roads are nearly impassable, and we’ve seen drifting snow of 2-3 feet on some rural roads so far tonight.
Wednesday: 10:50pm
St. Joseph – Stanton Fire Protection District is ready to respond in case of emergency. From their Facebook Page: “We are here and ready to respond to your emergencies if the need arises tonight during the storm. Thanks to Carle Arrow Ambulance for putting an ambulance in our station tonight as well as Champaign County Highway Dept for housing a plow here. These units will help get emergency equipment to the east side of the county quicker than coming from C-U. We are also housing a CCSO unit when they are not needed for emergencies. We have the extra room and are happy to help house the extra units for the night. We’ll have one more engine inside as soon as they get back from their mutual aid working fire!!!”
Wednesday: 10:35pm
Illinois State Police reports multiple jackknifed semis have blocked I-57 South at MP 219.5 (Pesotum area). Traffic s/b on I-57 is now being diverted at exit 220 onto US-45 South at Pesotum.
Please avoid this area.
D-10 continues to have multiple commercial vehicle jackknifes and crashes causing serious travel disruptions
Wednesday: 9:35pm
FROM ILLINOIS STATE POLICE: Roadways in District 9 continue to be hazardous for travel and are covered with snow and ice. Blowing and drifting snow continues to be a problem. Illinois State Troopers are currently responding to multiple crashes with lane blockage on Interstate 55 between Mile Post 79 (Divernon) to Mile Post 83 in Glenarm. Expect travel delays if you are traveling on Interstate 55 and Interstate 72 remain snow and ice covered. Motorists are urged to stay off the roadways and limit travel to essential personnel while IDOT and emergency crews continue to work to improve our roadways. If you must travel slow down, use caution, and allow extra travel time.
Wednesday: 9:15pm
Interstate 74 is nearly impassible east of Champaign-Urbana. Crews are on scene of multiple crashes and slide offs and traffic is at a near standstill, according to Meteorologist Jack Gerfen.
Wednesday: 8:40pm
Illinois State Police confirm three squad cars were struck by vehicles today in Central Illinois. Two of them were in Sangamon County with both troopers being transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The third collision happened in Coles County. The trooper in that crash was uninjured.
Wednesday: 8:10pm
A house fire in Philo has first responders on scene. We’ve got a crew on scene and will have updates tonight on 9p/10p.
Wednesday: 7:55pm
Traffic conditions are horrendous out there with numerous closures from wrecks on interstates in the area.
I-74 closed between Champaign and Ogden due to crashes
I-74 closed near Farmer City due to crashes
I-72 closed between Springfield and Decatur due to crashes
I-55 closed near Springfield due to crashes
I-55 closed near Pontiac due to crashes
Wednesday: 7:25pm
Our meteorologist Jacob Dickey was out on the roads in our StormTracker and compiled all of this video.
Wednesday: 7:00pm
Accidents all over central Illinois interstates continue to cause major traffic back-ups and some roads to be closed for a period of time. The image below shows 3 areas right now that have parts of the interstate closed on 72 and 74.
Wednesday: 6:00pm
A second Illinois State Police car was hit in Sangamon County. It happened along Veterans Parkway in Springfield. A trooper was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. They were taken to the hospital out in precaution.
Wednesday: 5:35pm
FROM IDOT: All lanes of westbound I-74 are blocked at milepost 158 because of a jack-knifed semi. Traffic is being detoured to US 150 at Farmer City (Exit 159).
Wednesday: 4:00pm
All of our cameras are showing snow cover. Some more than others but we are hearing reports between 6″-12″ already for areas along and north of I-74/I-72.
Wednesday: 3:45pm
UPDATE: Police said the diversion from University Avenue is back open.
Traffic is being diverted off of I-74 Eastbound at University Ave for a traffic crash that occurred on I-74 at milepost 188 that is just east of Urbana and before St. Joe.
Wednesday: 2:35pm
A bad accident on I-57 between Champaign and Thomasboro has traffic at a standstill.
Wednesday: 2:15pm
Champaign county will be pulling plows off the roads at 6pm.
Wednesday: 1:55pm
Jennifer Roscoe gives a look at the roads while on her way to work.
Wednesday: 1:35pm
UPDATE (2/2/22 4:40 PM) — All lanes are now open.
From Illinois State Police: “We are still in an active closure at that location. We have put out travel advisories that I-74 W/B is blocked at MP 176 and diverted off at Prospect Avenue due to multiple jackknifed semis and to please seek an alternate route (that is about 6 miles west of Champaign). We will update you as soon as we get more information to share.”
Wednesday: 1:20pm
Meteorologist Jack Gerfen has been in the storm tracker all morning and here is a compilation of some of the video from his drive.
Wednesday: 1:10pm
Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty shows what the snow is like in Champaign this afternoon.
Wednesday: 1:00pm
Renee Cooper gives a look at what roads are like in downtown Champaign.
Wednesday: 12:10pm
I-74 WB is blocked due to a wreck between Champaign and Mahomet. We’re working on more information.
Wednesday: 11:30am
Piatt County Sheriff’s Office & the Illinois State Police are on-scene of a jackknifed semi on I-74 westbound. Conditions are near a whiteout on I-74 making it very difficult to slow your vehicle down in time for an accident scene ahead that you cannot see. #cILwx #ILwx
Wednesday: 10:50am
Multiple area interstates are being closed down and traffic diverted. We’re working to find exact stretches, but given conditions it’s likely that many interstates are nearly impassable, if not impossible to travel on.
I-74: closed near Farmer City (WB) due to multiple jackknifed semis
I-55: closed near Chenoa, Lexington, Bloomington Normal, Lincoln, Springfield, Pontiac
Police and rescue are overwhelmed with calls for assistance.
Wednesday: 10:20am
Snow has been falling very hard in the region today. Here’s a look at some of the roads and a view from the Sky 3 Drone in Champaign.
Wednesday: 9:30am
An Illinois State Trooper was involved in a crash this morning after another driver rear-ended the squad car on I-55 near Illiopolis. The trooper has non-life threatening injuries.
I-55 is closed in multiple locations between Lincoln and Pontiac. I-74 is also closed between Farmer City and Bloomington.
Wednesday: 8:30am
Views from area interstates. As you can see I-57 near Rantoul is covered in snow with only one lane seeing tire tracks.
I-74 near the Cunningham exit is covered as well, with very little in the way of traffic right now.
Wednesday: 8:20am
Dawson Fire officials said they were called around 5:30 a.m. along I-72, around the 111 mile marker. When crews got there, they found a truck that had flipped on its side and ended up in a creek with 3 feet of water.
Officials said there was a woman inside the truck. They do not know exactly how long she had been there, but there was a layer of snow covering the vehicle. Water had made its way into the vehicle. The woman was taken to the hospital. Her current status is unknown.
Wednesday: 8:10am
The Sangamon county mass transit district is stopping bus service at 9am due to the dangerous conditions.
Wednesday: 7:45am
Latest on road conditions. Once the snow starts, ice on the road forms and snow sticks on top, causing difficult and hazardous travel. Some areas are seeing 6″+ and reporting heavy blowing and drifting of the snow along/west of I-55.
Wednesday: 7:40am
Some totals over 6″ of snow now being reported. Near Blizzard Conditions reported in Sangamon County. Heavy snow with rates of 1-2″ per hour are likely through midday.
Wednesday: 7:25am
Photo from Champaign-Urbana on I-74 at Prospect this morning. Roads are covered in snow with a layer of ice underneath.
Wednesday: 6:55am
I-55 CLOSED AT LEXINGON: I-55 southbound at milepost 178 is shut down due to multiple crashes. The interstate will be shut down for several hours at this location.
I-74 CLOSED AT FARMER CITY: I-74 westbound at milepost 158 is shut down due to multiple crashes and hazardous conditions. Traffic is rerouted onto U.S. Route 150.
Wednesday 6:40am
I-74 is closed WB at Farmer City. State Police report numerous other accidents in the area.
From DeWitt EMS: Units responded to multiple vehicles and semis off the road stating the road was a sheet of ice. I-74 was shut down at that time due to the vehicles plus emergency vehicles on scene at this time all EMS units have cleared the scene.
Reports of Dawson, Buffalo and Riverton Fire Department responding to a water rescue from a car that slid of I-72 and ended up in water. Working to get more details.
Wednesday 6:35am
Meteorologist Jack Gerfen: 6:30 and the Stormtracker is parked on I-74 westbound just east of Farmer City. I can see emergency lights ahead of me. It is an ice rink. #cILwx
Wednesday 6:30am
IL STATE POLICE DISTRICT 6 PONTIAC: 
Travel Advisory Troopers are on scene of multiple crashes on I-55 and I-74. Motorists are urged to stay off the roadway unless it is absolutely necessary. Road conditions are deteriorating by the minute.
Wednesday 6:00am
Dewitt County EMS: “The roads are all snow and ice covered at this point and very slow going. Please allow extra time if you have to go out this morning. If you can stay home stay home.”
Wednesday 6:00am
Many schools are closing or hosting eLearning days in the area. Click here for the latest updates on that.
Wednesday 5:50am
IDOT reports many roads are mostly or totally covered by snow and ice in Central Illinois.
Wednesday 5:45am
Numerous closures and service reductions are in effect in the area.
AMTRAK: Reduced/canceled service on Chicago to Carbondale Routes affecting Gilman, Rantoul, Champaign, Mattoon and Effingham. Reduced/canceled service on Chicago to St. Louis Routes affecting Bloomington, Lincoln, Springfield and Carlinville.
BUS: Reduced services on Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. No service Wednesday/Thursday for Danville Mass Transit. Snow Route Services in place for Sangamon County Mass Transit District
AIRPORT:
Willard Airport: ALL FLIGHTS CANCELED
Capital Airport: Numerous flights delayed
Central Illinois Regional Airport: Numerous flights delayed.
Check with your local mass transit service providers for more information on delays/cancelations
Wednesday 5:20am
Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports many roads are heavily snow covered and encourage all to avoid travel in the area. Heavy blowing and drifting of snow is reported.
Wednesday 5:05am
Emergency Snow Plan Activated
ISP District 21 in Ashkum has activated the Emergency Snow Plan for Kankakee, Ford, and Iroquois Counties effective 4:30 am (2/2/22). During this time the following will occur:
– A “No Tow” order is in effect. All disabled vehicles that are not presenting a hazard will be left on the side of the road/ditches until conditions are safe to remove the vehicle. Due to weather forecasts, conditions may not improve until Friday, so we may not be able to begin recovering vehicles until then.
-Stranded motorists will be transported off of the roadway to a safe location-Only Personal Injury/Significant crashes will be completed. Minor property damage crashes will be handled at a later time.
At this time ISP Ashkum advise all motorists in their district not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary. At this point, road conditions are deteriorating by the minute.
Wednesday 4:40am
Snowfall rates in areas that have transitioned are between 1-2″ per hour. The transition line currently sits from near Danville to Tolono to Lovington to Taylorville to Litchfield. Areas south of that line continue to have a cold rain with some wintry mix, but areas to the north are seeing heavy snow.
Wednesday 1:20am
The storm prediction center issued a special weather discussion outlining an area where 1” per hour snowfall rates are expected into early this morning. This is where the very heavy snowfall amounts will really start to show up.
Wednesday 1:00am
Snow now starting in Springfield up to Gibson City and Watseka. Still rain for Champaign and Danville with some sleet starting to move into Decatur.
Wednesday 12:30am
Rain has switched over to sleet in Mahomet as seen on this deck picture below. Also reports of sleet in Fisher and wet snowflakes in Clinton.
Tuesday 11:00pm
Storm spotters in Peoria have reported 2″ of snow has already accumulated with heavy snow still coming down.
Tuesday 10:15pm
The transition to snow in the Bloomington/Normal area has occurred. Meteorologist Jack Gerfen reported LIVE during our 10pm newscast showing the light coating of snow in the area.
Tuesday 9:00pm
Rain has changed over to snow in the Peoria area. Below is a view near the casino boat where snow has covered the ground.
Tuesday 8:10pm
Some viewer reports of sleet and ice mixing in from Gibson City and Bloomington. The transition is slowly beginning as forecast. We expect reports to continue in the coming hours of more wintry mix.
Tuesday 7:15pm
The transition to wintry mix and snow will begin in the next few hours. As this happens, a glaze of ice and a mix of sleet can be expected before the full transition to snow.
Tuesday 7:10pm
Many schools are closing or hosting eLearning days in the area. Click here for the latest updates on that.
Tuesday 6:20pm
Areas of rain will continue to move across parts of central Illinois over the next several hours. We are still not anticipating the transition to snow for many until well after midnight.
Tuesday 6:00pm
Welcome to our LIVE winter storm blog. This will be the one stop shop for all the updates you need concerning the winter storm. We will post about various weather updates, issues on the road, updates from crews in the field battling the snow, pictures, videos, and more.
Stay with the WCIA 3 weather team as this multi-day weather event unfolds.
