For those planning to travel this weekend that may not be such a good thing.

Jerry Cearlock, operations engineer for the Department of Transportation in District 5, said there is a good chance of freezing rain in the next few days.

Cearlock has also heard reports of snow, ranging from one to 12 inches, starting today.

“It might be over by Friday, but I doubt it,” Cearlock said. “For the next couple of days the roads are probably not going to be in the best of conditions.”

If students have to travel this weekend, Cearlock said there are a number of common sense items that students should check over before hitting the road.

Their vehicle should be in good shape by having proper lights, reflections, gas and, in general, should run well. The vehicle should also be stocked with items that, if the individual were to get caught in the snow, would help them survive. Items include food, blankets and candles, among other things.

Students should also drive cautiously by “slowing down and protecting themselves,” Cearlock said, and realize the roads aren’t dry and clear.

Students should also be forewarned by the hazards of driving too close to snow plows as visibility around them is particularly hazy.

Road conditions for all Illinois interstates can be found by calling 1-800-452-4368.

For students using the Amtrak station, it would take a power failure to delay their train. If the electronic warning devices – the bells and lights at each crossing – don’t have power because of ice, the train is delayed. A complete cancellation of a train is unusual, said Marc Magliari, Chicago-based spokesman for Amtrak.

Magliari said he has not received word of any major delays Wednesday. He doesn’t receive information of a train that was delayed by only five or 10 minutes.