According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln, IL, a Winter Storm Warning for the entire WVEL-AM listening area is in effect from 9am this morning to 12 midnight CST tonight.

*Timing- Rain is expected to change over to snow around midday and early afternoon; snow is then expected through the afternoon through mid-evening.

*Accumulations- Total accumulations of 3-5" are likely expected by late evening.

*Wind- South winds will shift to the Northwest around midday and rapidly increase; wind gusts of 50-55MPH or higher will be widespread by 3pm CST and remain that high until around 9pm CST.

*Impacts- Extremely difficult travel is expected; as the falling snow is whipped around by the strong winds. Visibilities may occasionally be below a 1/4 mile due to blowing snow (especially in rural areas). In addition, the combination of rapidly falling temperatures and high winds will produce favorable conditions for the development of black ice on area highways. The winds may also cause some tree damage and power outages.

*Perecautionary/Preparedness Actions- A Winter Storm Warning for heavy and blowing snow means severe winter weather conditions are expexcted or occuring. Significant amounts of snow and blowing snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous; only travel in an emergency (if you must travel). Keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

Keep it locked in to AM 1140 WVEL or www.wvel.com for further weather updates.

Until then, be safe!!