Wind gusts, low temps outweigh concerns of snow across Central Illinois

Gusting winds reaching 50 mph will be the biggest worry. "Today's main hazard is the wind causing wind chill," said Meteorologist Rebekka Copple said. "Tie down those Christmas decorations.

" Wind-chill readings are expected to hover in the 20s throughout Thursday as northwesterly winds gust 40 to 50 mph, the weather service report. "Be bundled up," Copple said. "It's going to be a raw day out there.



" By early morning the weather service had reports of traces of snow in Pana, Jacksonville, Peoria and Windsor areas. "But it's melting as it hits the ground," Copple said. "The ground temperatures are still quite warm compared to air temperatures.

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