Winter Weather in Franklin, Illinois

A weak low pressure system moved eastward across the Lower Mississippi Valley on Christmas Eve, reaching the Southeast states during the overnight hours. At the same time, a rather strong upper level disturbance moved southeast across the central Plains. This combination of systems resulted in widespread snowfall across southern Illinois. Average snowfall amounts were right around three inches. There was an area of 4 to 6 inches north and west of a line from Mount Carmel to Benton. This included Mount Vernon, Pinckneyville, and Fairfield. The snow came down rather heavily for a few hours, reducing visibility to one-quarter mile and accumulating nearly an inch per hour. Specific snowfall reports included 3.5 inches near Anna, 3 inches at Brookport, Mount Carmel, and Marion, and 5 inches at Sesser. The highest reported amount was 6 inches near Waltonville in Jefferson County. Roads became slick and hazardous, causing an increase in accidents. One accident in Franklin County just east of Christopher resulted in a fatality. A vehicle lost control on snow-covered Route 14 and entered the opposite lane, striking another vehicle. On Interstate 57 in Alexander County, a man was seriously injured in an accident.