Strawn, Illinois

... Significant winter storm to affect portions of the Midwest
Wednesday through Christmas day...

A strong storm system currently moving onshore along the West
Coast of the United States is expected to strengthen as it moves
northeast across the Southern Plains and Midwest during the middle of
the week... bringing a mix of snow... sleet... freezing rain... and
rain to the area.

Current forecast information indicates that precipitation will
likely begin early Wednesday morning across areas to the south of
Interstate 80 as a mix of snow... sleet... and freezing rain... before
spreading north across the entire area during the day on
Wednesday. As a strong area of low pressure moves north into far
eastern Iowa or western Illinois... precipitation is expected to
gradually change over to all rain across areas to the south of
I-80 very late Wednesday night. Precipitation will likely then change
to all rain across the remainder of the forecast area by Thursday
afternoon. A gradual change back to snow is expected from west to
east on Friday afternoon.

While available forecast information is in generally good
agreement regarding the large scale evolution of this storm
system... it is still far too early to determine the exact details
of this winter storm... including any accumulations of
snow... sleet... or freezing rain.

With a prolonged period of mixed precipitation expected across
the area... travel conditions may be significantly affected across
the Midwest Wednesday through Christmas day. Individuals who plan
on traveling through the area later this week are strongly
encouraged to remain alert for changing weather conditions... and
any watches... warnings... or advisories that may be issued by the
National Weather Service.


Boxell