Dangerous wind chills, freezing rain and blistering temperatures as low as negative 15 degrees Fahrenheit are likely over the weekend and into early next week, said EIU climatologist Cameron Craig.
Starting Friday night, temperatures will continue to drop with a mix of rain and snow going into the evening and a wintry mix overnight, said Craig. Monday will feel like negative 15, and Tuesday will feel like negative 4.
Frostbite will take hold after 30 minutes of exposure, according to the National Weather Service.
Coles County can expect around one to one-half inch of rain on Friday, Craig said, and at most a half inch of snow flurries Monday.
According to sophomore WEIU SkyWatch observer Ben Whitney’s seven-day forecast, temperatures will plummet from Friday to Monday with a slight chance of snow Sunday afternoon.
Craig advises people to bundle up and advises those who plan to travel over the weekend to do so early Friday to avoid the brunt of the storm.
Eastern’s weather station documents snowfall during the winter seasons from December to March.
During the 2022-23 season, 4.3 inches were recorded, with January having 3 inches. 2021-22 recorded 9.5 inches all in February.
The average winter season gains around 19 inches of snow, according to Craig, and only half an inch has been recorded this season.
Based on previous years’ measurements, 6 inches would have already been recorded by now.
Jay Gatrell said the university watches the weather closely, test drives the roads and neighborhoods and, based off the guidance from local emergency management professionals, determines if classes will be canceled or delayed.
Gatrell said Eastern does not see many weather closures.
Classes will be canceled no later than 6:15 a.m., unless a rapid change in weather occurs.
Vice President of Business Affairs Matt Bierman said that with the influx of rain, all of the spread salt for ice would wash away, but crews will be ready to spread salt and plow if the weather changes.
The removal crews will follow heavy traffic routes on campus, entrances to dining halls, the health clinic, at least one entrance per building, the main quads and walkways, and the heavily populated parking lots and campus streets.
Rob Le Cates can be reached at 581-2812 or deneic@gmail.com.
