Dangerous weather conditions affecting east-central Illinois and western Indiana will be sticking around for awhile this week. Although we missed out on the heavy snow that affected western and northern Illinois, a wind-chill warning remained in effect Saturday. It is due to expire Sunday (January 14, 2024) at 3:00 p.m. Bitterly cold weather, however, will remain in place across our area for much of the week.
The National Weather Service warned that dangerously cold temperatures and wind-chill readings as low as 30 below zero were expected Saturday night and early Sunday. Such dangerously cold conditions can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. The Weather Service said you should avoid outside activities if possible. If you are outside be sure you wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves.
Hazardous travel conditions due to strong winds, blowing and drifting snow, and icy road conditions were reported early Saturday across parts of central Illinois. And the National Weather Service said motorists should expect blowing and drifting snow as light snow continued to fall early Saturday across parts of central Illinois and Indiana. Blowing snow could reduce visibility where a snowpack exists.
For the latest on Illinois road conditions go to gettingaroundIllinois.com.
Very cold conditions are expected throughout the week. Although the high temperature on Saturday was expected to reach the low twenties, daytime highs on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are only expected to reach single digits. Wind-chill readings during the day on Sunday are forecast to reach 25 below zero at times. The wind-chill reading is how cold it feels when you factor the wind with the temperature. Although high temperatures are expected to reach the mid-twenties on Wednesday and Thursday – the outlook for Friday calls for high temperatures in the teens. And Friday night the low is expected to plunge near zero.
Hoopeston Warming Center: Due to the bitterly cold weather conditions the City of Hoopeston has a warming center available. It will be open from 7:00 p.m. today, Saturday, January 13th, through Wednesday, January 17th at 7:00 a.m. The warming center is located at the Hoopeston City Hall.
The Martin Luther King Celebration in Danville is still on for Monday, January 15th, however the motorcade-parade has been cancelled due to weather conditions. The community-wide celebration at St. James United Methodist Church will begin at 11:30 a.m. Monday.
