Winter Weather in Cumberland, Illinois

Weather observers across Cumberland County reported around 1 inch of snow. Several traffic accidents occurred as water froze on roadways. In addition, temperatures plunging below zero created life-threatening conditions for anyone venturing outside.

An Arctic cold front pushed through central Illinois on December 22nd, causing temperatures to plummet from early morning highs in the 30s to evening lows from zero to ten below zero. As weak waves of low pressure tracked along the front, light snow developed across the area...with accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches. Despite the overall light snowfall, strong winds gusting in excess of 40mph created considerable blowing and drifting snow which led to near zero visibility at times...particularly in open, rural locations. The combination of falling snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and extremely cold temperatures caused major disruption to commerce and travel across central Illinois. Numerous schools and businesses closed due to the inclement weather and several traffic accidents occurred as roads became snow-covered and slick. In addition, scattered power outages were reported.