Ice Storm in Champaign, Illinois

A period of freezing rain resulted in ice accumulations. A broadcast meteorologist reported a quarter inch of ice in Champaign. There were numerous car accidents or slide-offs. Carle Hospital in Urbana reported 47 fall injuries. Transportation services were also impacted, with Champaign buses rerouted and Willard Airport suspending operations due to the icing. Conditions improved during the overnight hours as temperatures warmed and ice melted.

Low-level warm air advection overrunning cold surface air resulted in light freezing rain developing on the morning of Monday, January 22, continuing into that evening. Hazardous travel conditions and slippery surfaces developed and contributed to numerous car accidents and fall injuries across central Illinois. Regional transportation services were delayed or suspended. Ice accumulations from the event ranged from a glaze to a quarter inch. Conditions improved into the overnight hours as temperatures warmed above freezing.