Illinois readies for major winter snowstorm

CHICAGO - Illinois is bracing for another winter storm with snow, freezing rain and sleet in the forecast throughout the state. Cities are mobilizing snow removal crews and spreading anti-icing agents on primary routes, bridges and overpasses.

The National Weather Service predicts 7 to 10 inches of snow and sleet in the St. Louis area Saturday evening. A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Monday.

In central Illinois, the storm is expected to bring 6 to 8 inches of snow. Winds and an extended period of falling snow could make driving dangerous with limited visibility and snowpack on roads.

The Chicago area is expecting snowfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. The weather service cautions that snow could be heavy at times making travel hazardous.