EAST-CENTRAL, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Lincoln and Chicago have issued snow squall warnings for parts of east-central Illinois and urges drivers to use extreme caution as hazardous weather conditions unfold.

A snow squall is a sudden, intense burst of heavy snow that causes a rapid reduction in visibility, often accompanied by strong winds. These conditions can create dangerous driving situations, particularly on highways where sudden whiteout conditions and slick roadways are likely to lead to high-speed accidents and large pileups.

The NWS is highlighting the following hazards in their warnings for today:

  • Flash freeze on roads: Rapidly changing conditions could cause roads to freeze quickly.

  • Intense bursts of heavy snow: Snowfall rates could dramatically reduce visibility to less than one-quarter mile in some areas.

  • Gusty winds: Wind gusts in excess of 50 mph could lead to blowing snow and create additional visibility challenges.

  • Fallen trees and debris: Wind gusts may also knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, making travel even more dangerous.

Authorities are advising drivers to avoid travel if possible, particularly on major roadways, and to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions that can impact safety. For those who must drive, the NWS recommends slowing down, increasing following distances, and using low beam headlights. If caught in a snow squall, drivers are advised to pull off the road and wait for conditions to improve.