(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Snow has already started to fall in parts of Illinois, but later on Sunday it is expected to be snowing in most of the region.
A winter storm is moving through Central Illinois on Sunday, with snow falling in Peoria and Bloomington Sunday morning. Most of the southern half of Illinois is under a Winter Storm Warning.
Snow accumulation from that storm is forecasted to be greater than 5 inches with some areas projected to get 8-12 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Center.
Hazardous travel conditions are expected, especially later Sunday night. The National Weather Service predicts worse conditions south of U.S. 24 across central Illinois and Indiana.
In Indiana, Gov. Eric Holcomb deployed the National Guard to help in the response to the winter storm moving through the central part of the state. The National Guard is expected to be active through Tuesday to help areas of that state that could see 6-12 inches of snow.
Sunday night into Monday morning, snow transitions from the storm moving through Central Illinois to Lake Effect snow for much of the Chicago area.
Accuweather Meteorologist Bill Dayger says that a band of Lake Effect snow could pivot into the area.
The narrow band is expected to drop 1-3 inches of snow across the region, but there could be some heavier snow within that band.
The National Weather Service predicts that the Lake Effect snow will hit Illinois around 4 a.m. on Monday through 8 p.m. that night. Indiana is also forecasted to see some snow in the afternoon on Monday into Tuesday morning.
Commuters should allow for extra time in their travels and the National Weather Service warns that conditions can vary across short distances due to the Lake Effect snow band.
The City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding residents that warming centers opens on Sunday include the Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie Ave. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Additionally, participating Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District, and Chicago Police Department.
Warming centers open Monday through Friday this week include Englewood Community Service Center, Garfield Community Service Center, Martin Luther King Community Service Center, North Area Community Service Center, South Chicago Community Service Center and Trina Davilia Community Service Center. That is in addition to senior centers, Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Park District locations, and Chicago Police Districts.
Residents can contact 311 over the phone or visit 311.chicago.gov for more information about the closest warming center and hours.
Cole Stallard is commissioner for the Department of Streets and Sanitation for the City of Chicago is preparing the city's fleet of salt trucks as they get ready for what could be 12-14 hour snow event.
The departments 700 drivers were put alert earlier on Sunday to get ready for the snow coming to the city possibly later that night.
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