Temps below freezing for the entire forecast period

CHIRSTOPHER –  There is a blood drive today in Christopher from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Christopher Community Building.

The building is located just off of Route 148 behind the old Dollar General building.  The event is sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Christopher.

JACKSON COUNTY — Authorities are investigating the death of a deputy from a neighboring county.

Deputies found 33-year-old Joshua Harsy dead at a home in rural Jackson County just before 3 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Harsy worked as a deputy for the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, but he was off duty at the time.

Please click on the link below for the full story from WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37135677/perry-county-deputy-found-dead

Wind chills the next two mornings will be very cold, generally in the single digits to just below zero. These can be very dangerous if you are not prepared. Dress in layers if you have to be outside. (NWS Paducah)

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

A few flurries or snow showers this afternoon may produce some
very minor snow accumulations, generally just a dusting.

Very cold air even with light winds will produce wind chills
ranging from 5 below zero to 5 above very late tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Wednesday through Monday

Very cold air will remain over the region through the period. Wind
chills on New Years morning are expected to range from zero to 10
below zero.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

Seven Day Forecast

Special Weather Statement

..Light Dusting of Snowfall Christmas Night…

A light dusting of snowfall is forecast with spotty snow showers
Christmas night. A half inch or less is expected, but with it
falling in much colder temperatures, this could create a few slick
spots on roads and walkways.

Christmas night travelers are advised to slow down, allow
a little extra time to turn or stop, and use your low beam
headlights to increase your visibility to others.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Tuesday through Sunday

A chance of light snow or flurries is forecast across all or a
part of the area Tuesday, Thursday afternoon and evening, Friday
night, and late Saturday night into Sunday. However, the potential
for impactful accumulation remains low at this point.

Seven Day Forecast

Mugshot of the erratic driver and his sleigh taken by a drone, over Creek Nation Blacktop between Zeigler and Royalton. He should be making his way through the entire county soon.

The Franklin County Sheriffs Department, Central Dispatch in Christopher, and other law enforcement agencies, are taking a lot of calls, regarding an erratic driver.

The driver is described as a heavy set older gentleman, with white hair, and a long white beard.  He is also wearing a red suit.

The vehicle is a sleigh, pulled by eight tiny reindeer and led by a fawn with a shiny nose.   With the snow flurries that is flying throughout the county, that will help with his visibility.

He is a jolly man, and he has been reported, going rooftop to rooftop, sliding down the chimney with a full bag of toys.  He stays for a few minutes at each house.  The bag is empty handed, and he always goes back to his sleigh munching on a cookie.

While in the air he has been reported to be saying Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!!!!

The law enforcement agencies, stated the man is neither armed or dangerous.  He is spreading love and cheer to each house he visits.

The authorities stated for him to pay a visit, all boys and girls need to go to bed soon, if they aren’t  already.

There will be further developments to this story early in the morning.

Christmas Eve travelers should be prepared for a little precipitation today. In the north, especially along the Interstate 64 corridor, a light dusting upwards to an inch is possible, mainly on grassy surfaces. Further south, the snow mixes with rain and little impact is expected. Air and ground temperatures will be above freezing this afternoon, but holiday travel caution is still advised in case untreated or elevated road surfaces present a slick patch or two. (NWS Paducah) 

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for up to one inch for the counties in Southern Illinois for Route 13 north.

If you plan on traveling today, there is a winter weather advisory out for the counties north of I -70.  Snow accumulations around 2″- 4″ is possible, with 3″ -5″ north of route 74.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and be careful if you are out and about. -sd