Winter Storm Arrives in Southern McLean County

-

  Winter Storm Arrives in Southern McLean County

The first major winter storm of the season swept into Central Illinois late Friday night, bringing with it a mix of heavy snow, gusty winds, and treacherous travel conditions. In southern McLean County, residents woke Saturday morning to a landscape transformed—roads coated in fresh snow, trees glazed in white, and the hum of plows echoing across rural highways.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued a Winter Storm Warning for the region, forecasting accumulations of more than 5 inches of snow through Saturday night. While heavier totals were expected west of the Illinois River, McLean County still found itself on the eastern edge of the storm’s impact zone, with snowfall intensifying through the morning hours.


Traffic thins on I55 near Shirley due to winter storm

On Interstate 55 near Funks Grove, traffic thinned to a trickle as drivers heeded warnings to delay travel. Sparse vehicles crept cautiously along the slick pavement, headlights cutting through the swirling snow. Meanwhile, in the rural stretches west of Funks Grove, delivery drivers like UPS were forced to navigate narrow, snow-packed roads, underscoring the challenges faced by essential workers during severe weather.


UPS navigates treacherous roads from winter storm

This storm arrives at a critical time: the post-Thanksgiving travel weekend, one of the busiest of the year. Families returning home and shoppers heading out for holiday deals found themselves rerouting plans or bracing for delays. For southern McLean County, the storm serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between rural resilience and the vulnerabilities of winter weather.

Beyond the immediate travel concerns, the storm’s arrival signals the start of a long winter season. Farmers, commuters, and small-town businesses alike will need to adapt quickly, ensuring equipment, vehicles, and supply chains are ready for the weeks ahead.

Images by Alan Look Photograhpy

Location: McLean County, IL, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Heyworth Hornets Outlast Tremont Turks in Gritty September Clash

-
Image
   On September 19, 2025, the Heyworth Hornets and Tremont Turks met under the lights for a non-conference showdown that delivered on intensity, grit, and small-town pride. The final score—24-13 in favor of Heyworth—only hints at the physicality and strategic tension that defined the night. Both teams entered the game with something to prove. Tremont, eager to build momentum after recent struggles, came out with energy and resilience. Heyworth, riding a wave of defensive confidence, responded with disciplined execution and a relentless tempo. The result was a game that never felt settled until the final whistle. The Hornets leaned into their identity: aggressive line play, smart clock management, and a defense that refused to break. Tremont countered with flashes of creativity and a few drives that tested Heyworth’s resolve. But in the end, Heyworth’s ability to control the pace and capitalize on key moments sealed the win. This wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Heywor...
Read more

A Season of Triumphs: Heyworth's Playoff Run Concludes

-
Image
A Season of Triumphs: Heyworth's Playoff Run Concludes The Heyworth Hornets capped off an outstanding football season today, concluding their impressive playoff run against a formidable Stockton Blackhawks squad in the IHSA Class 1A Second Round. While the final scoreboard,  Stockton 26, Heyworth 3 , did not fall the Hornets' way, it cannot overshadow the  tremendous accomplishments  of this team and its community. The Hornets fought hard, earning a valuable field goal and demonstrating the  resilience and tenacity  that defined their path to the second round. Playing against the number one seed is a testament to the level of  success  Heyworth achieved this year—a season marked by tenacity, skill, and the unified spirit of the entire town. To the players, coaches, and the  loyal Heyworth faithful : hold your heads high. You competed fiercely and represented your school with  honor and pride . This deep run into the playoffs establishes a str...
Read more

Chrome, Community, and Central Illinois Grit: Heyworth’s 4th Annual Car Show Roars On

-
Image
  Chrome, Community, and Central Illinois Grit: Heyworth’s 4th Annual Car Show Roars On Main Street Heyworth transformed into a corridor of chrome and horsepower on October 5, 2025, as the 4th Annual Heyworth Car Show brought together enthusiasts, families, and curious passersby for an afternoon of automotive celebration. Under the coordination of Rodger Zook and Tom Grant, the event continued its tradition of showcasing vintage muscle, modern marvels, and custom builds that reflect the region’s deep-rooted car culture. From the moment the first engines revved, the show pulsed with energy. Rows of polished classics and tricked-out trucks lined the street, each vehicle a testament to craftsmanship and pride. Attendees wandered between gleaming fenders and candy-colored paint jobs, snapping photos and swapping stories. The diversity of entries—from restored 1950s cruisers to aggressive late-model imports—underscored the inclusive spirit of the show. This year’s layout emphasized flow...
Read more