Winter observations are just as important as summer rainfall reports.
Meteorologists use the reports to aid in river flood forecasts and winter weather forecasting.
In regards to river flooding, snow and cold are significant contributors to river flooding, especially in the late winter and early spring. Heavy rains falling on frozen ground, saturated ground and snow cover can produce high levels of water runoff into our streams and rivers and create significant water level rises. The primary source of this information is from our vast network of cooperative observers across Central Illinois. Therefore, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of daily reports, especially when precipitation has occurred. We realize not everyone can report all of these conditions, but any reports obtained are very useful and important for forecasting.