Central Ill Regional, Illinois

... A significant storm will impact the Midwest midweek...

A strong storm system is expect to develop over the western United
States and move slowly eastward impacting much of the Midwest
beginning Tuesday and continuing into Christmas day.

Current indications are that a chance of light freezing rain or
drizzle will develop north of Interstate 74 late Tuesday into
Tuesday night. As southeast winds intensify on Wednesday... warm air
will change any lingering freezing rain to rain across the region
from south to north.

At this time it appears that the amount of icing will be light.
However... any freezing rain or drizzle will make traveling difficult.

The heaviest precipitation will likely fall as rain Wednesday
afternoon through Thursday... with thunderstorms a distinct
possibility along and south of Interstate 72... especially during
Christmas eve as a strong cold front plows through the area. Once
the storm pulls north of our area on Christmas day... cold air will
change the rain to snow showers.

Holiday travelers need to be particularly alert to travel conditions
this week. This storm has the potential to significantly impact
highways and airports in the Midwest... particularly to the north and
northwest of our area. At this time it appears the most significant
snowfall and ice accumulations will occur across parts of Iowa...
southern Minnesota and extreme southern Wisconsin and northern
Illinois.


Smith