CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — An ongoing winter storm has coated Champaign County with several inches of snow, creating slick travel conditions and ushering in a stretch of bitter cold weather. As the snow winds down, frigid air moving in behind the storm is expected to drive temperatures well below normal, with wind chills dropping to dangerously low levels and prompting warnings for residents to limit time outdoors and use caution on the roads.

❄️ Snowfall so far & totals

  • Recent winter systems have already brought measurable snow to central Illinois prior to this weekend’s event. Many central Illinois counties saw between 3 and 8 inches in earlier storms, with locally higher amounts in some areas.

  • For the current system, forecast snowfall totals in and near Champaign County are generally expected to be around 4–8 inches from the ongoing storm, with blowing and drifting possible due to winds.

  • Local reports also suggested smaller short-term accumulations earlier today of 2–4 inches, with additional snow likely later in the event.

🌨️ Snow expected — amounts & timing

  • Snow will likely taper off by early Monday morning as the system exits.

  • Windy conditions may lead to blowing and drifting snow, especially in rural or open areas.

🥶 Bitter cold & wind chill

  • A Cold Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning are in effect due to the combined snow and dangerously cold temperatures.

  • Bitter cold is arriving this weekend and will continue through early next week, with wind chills likely below zero at times.

  • Forecast models show overnight temperatures dropping well below zero, with wind chills possibly into the -20°F range or lower early next week. For example, Sunday into Monday may see actual lows near -14 to -22°F with feels like values dipping as low as -30°F in the coldest hours.

🌡️ What to expect next

  • Snowfall: Ongoing late Saturday into Sunday, tapering to flurries by early Monday.

  • Cold: Temperatures will remain well below average into early next week with persistent bitter conditions and very low wind chills.

  • Travel: Roads could be hazardous — especially Sunday and into Monday morning — due to fresh snow, blowing snow, and ice.