Winter Weather — Jefferson, Illinois

2012-01-12 · Jefferson, Illinois

Wider weather episode

A strong upper-level low brought about an inch of snow to parts of southern Illinois. The 500 mb low moved southeast from the central Plains across the Lower Ohio Valley. A surface low pressure system over the Great Lakes region produced a strong northwest wind across the Lower Ohio Valley. About an inch of snow fell along and northeast of a line from Mount Vernon to Carmi. A combination of falling temperatures and gusty winds made road conditions very hazardous. Temperatures fell through the 20's as northwest winds gusted to 30 mph. The gusty winds caused some blowing snow. Roads that were wet from snowmelt earlier in the day became icy as temperatures fell after dark. The highest reported accumulation was 1.5 inches in Grayville, which is along the Edwards/White County line. A Cocorahs observer in the city of Mount Vernon measured 0.7 inch. A fatal accident occurred near the community of Woodlawn in Jefferson County. A 46-year-old woman died at the scene after her jeep left the roadway and tumbled 50 feet down an embankment. There were no other persons or vehicles involved in the accident. In the city of Mount Vernon, there were six minor accidents.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 356180. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.