Panama, Illinois

... Large storm system taking aim on central U.S. This week...

A large storm system is expected to move across the central United
States heading into the Christmas Holiday. The timing and
strength of the storm is such that it will have a significant
impact on Holiday travelers. Anyone planning travel through the
central U.S. Should carefully monitor the latest forecast from the
National Weather Service.

The initial stages of the storm are expected to begin
impacting the Midwest on Tuesday. The storm will continue its
influence over the area Wednesday and Thursday... before exiting
the central U.S. On Christmas day. A wide variety of weather is
expected with this storm system from snow across the Central
Plains and upper Midwest to severe thunderstorms across the lower
Mississippi River valley.

Given the current weather data... the most significant winter
weather will remain west and north of the bi-state region through
Thursday. However... heavy rain appears likely across the area.
Rainfall accumulations in excess of 2 inches are possible with
this storm with locally higher amounts. Heavy rain associated with
thunderstorms onto frozen ground could produce localized flooding.

The rain will change to snow on Thursday night... and there is some
potential for accumulating snow in central and northeast Missouri
and west central Illinois early Christmas morning.

There is still some uncertainty regarding the exact track of the
storm system and this could have significant impacts on the
location and intensity of the winter weather conditions.
Therefore... those traveling across the Midwest this Holiday week
are urged to carefully monitor the latest forecast from the
National Weather Service.