A strong winter storm system dropped over a foot of snow in many areas of the region overnight Thursday and into Friday afternoon. Here at the studios of WFIW/WOKZ, a total of 13 inches was measured, with 4 1/2 inches falling Thursday night and another 8 1/2 inches on Friday. The snowfall resulted in numerous cancellations, and caused the cancellation of both the Fairfield and Albion Christmas parades. Another chance of some wintry precipitation is in the forecast for Sunday.
Area roadways remained snow-covered and hazardous this morning. Reports indicated there were several spinouts on highways and vehicles sliding into ditches. No major accidents have been reported by area police involving serious injuries, but motorists are being encouraged not to travel unless necessary until the roadways can be cleared.
Arctic air is expected to dominate the region for the weekend and most of next week. Low temperatures are forecast to be in the single digits by the middle of next week, with high temperatures not getting above freezing until at least next Friday.
The Fairfield Beautification Committee’s Christimas Light Tour for senior citizens is set for Monday, December 16th. Seniors will be picked up at 5 p.m. at several locations in town. The public is encouraged to nominate homes with Christmas light displays within the Fairfield city limits through this Friday, December 13th. Nominations can be made by calling 847-2921. Homes will be judged by the seniors on December 16th, with first place receiving $40.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced Friday that the Illinois Department of Human Resources will offer immediate food assistance to 15 counties, including Wayne, Wabash and Jasper counties, beginning this Wednesday. The IDHS has been authorized to offer special Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to residents in the counties declared federal disaster areas as a result of tornadoes and severe storms last month. Applications will be accepted December 11th through 13th and 16th and 17th from 8:30 a.m. til 4 p.m. More information is available by visiting the IDHS website at www.dhs.state.il.us
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