A powerful storm system tracking from the southern Plains into the Great Lakes brought a wide variety of wintry precipitation to central and southeast Illinois on Februray 1st into the 2nd.  Freezing rain was the primary form of precipitation south of I-70, where ice accumulations of one quarter to three quarters of an inch were common.  Further north, a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow was observed along and south of a Shelbyville...to Champaign-Urbana...to Hoopeston line.  One quarter to one half an inch of ice accumulated further south close to I-70, while 2 to 4 inches of sleet fell across the rest of the area.  Further northwest, heavy snow and extremely strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions along and northwest of the I-55 corridor.  12 to 18 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts, were common.  New records for 24 hour snowfall were set at 11 cooperative observation locations in central and west central Illinois. The extreme winter precipitation created nearly impossible travel conditions at times and resulted in numerous accidents and injuries across central and southeast Illinois. Numerous county highways and several interstates were closed...including I-55, I-72, I-74 and I-155...from the afternoon of February 1st through much of the day February 2nd. The National Guard made nearly 200 rescues of stranded motorists in central Illinois, and local emergency managers made dozens of snowmobile rescues in rural locations. All schools in each of the 35 impacted counties were closed for at least three days. Power outages were widespread, impacting nearly one million people. Some locations in southeast Illinois, along and south of I-70 were without power for nearly a week after the storm. Damages done to power lines, power poles, trees and other property due to ice was around $10 Million, while snow removal costs for communities in central and southeast Illinois was more than $4.4 Million.

Winter Storm in MOULTRIE, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Moultrie County measured 1 to 2 inches of sleet along with one quarter to one half an inch of ice.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Blizzard in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 09:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 350.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Sangamon County measured 9 to 15 inches of snow, with the official measurement in Springfield coming in at 12 inches.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.  In addition, a 54-year old Springfield man died on February 2nd as a result of cardiac arrest from shoveling snow at his home.

Winter Storm in SHELBY, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Shelby County measured 1 to 2 inches of sleet along with one half to three quarters of an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed tree limbs and power lines, causing widespread power outages across the county.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Blizzard in MARSHALL, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Marshall County measured 12 to 16 inches of snow.  Thundersnow was reported from 1930 to 2030 LST on 2/1/11.  50 to 60 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in PEORIA, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Peoria County measured 15 to 18 inches of snow, with the total for Peoria coming in at 15 inches.  Thundersnow was reported from 1930 to 2030 LST on 2/1/11.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in SCHUYLER, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Schuyler County measured 14 to 17 inches of snow, with the total for Rushville coming in at 16 inches.  Thundersnow was reported from 1800 to 1900 LST on 2/1/11.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Winter Storm in VERMILION, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Weather observers across Vermilion County measured 2 to 3 inches of sleet along with 5 to 7 inches of snow.  Numerous power outages and traffic accidents were reported across the county.

Blizzard in SCOTT, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 09:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 21.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Scott County measured 16 to 18 inches of snow, with the total for Winchester coming in at 18 inches.  Thundersnow was reported from 1800 to 1900 LST on 2/1/11.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Ice Storm in CLAY, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 800.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Numerous weather observers across Clay County measured around one half an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed numerous trees and tree branches, resulting in power outages across the county.  In addition, icy road conditions led to several traffic accidents.

Winter Storm in COLES, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Weather observers across Coles County measured 1 to 3 inches of sleet along with 2  to 4 inches of snow and around one half an inch of ice.  Due to the glaze of ice, numerous tree limbs and power lines were downed, causing power outages across the county.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in several traffic accidents.

Blizzard in CASS, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Cass County measured 12 to 14 inches of snow.  Thundersnow was reported from 1800 to 1900 LST on 2/1/11.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in MACON, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Macon County measured 6 to 9 inches of snow, along with 2 to 4 inches of sleet, and around one quarter of an inch of ice.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in STARK, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Stark County measured 15 to 18 inches of snow.  Thundersnow was reported from 1930 to 2030 LST on 2/1/11.  50 to 60 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Ice Storm in CRAWFORD, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Numerous weather observers across Crawford County measured between one quarter and one half an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed numerous trees and tree branches, resulting in power outages across the county.  In addition, icy road conditions led to several traffic accidents.

Blizzard in CHRISTIAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 09:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 260.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Christian County measured 3 to 9 inches of snow, along with 2 to 4 inches of sleet, and around one quarter of an inch of ice.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.  Due to the ice and strong winds, numerous tree branches and power lines were downed, causing power outages across the county.

Ice Storm in JASPER, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Numerous weather observers across Jasper County measured between one quarter and one half an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed numerous trees and tree branches, resulting in power outages across the county.  In addition, icy road conditions led to several traffic accidents.

Ice Storm in LAWRENCE, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Numerous weather observers across Lawrence County measured around one quarter of an inch of ice.  The glaze of ice downed tree branches, resulting in power outages across the county.  In addition, icy road conditions led to several traffic accidents.

Blizzard in TAZEWELL, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Tazewell County measured 12 to 17 inches of snow.  50 to 60 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  Tree limbs were blown down and several homes lost shingles.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in DE WITT, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across DeWitt County measured 8 to 12 inches of snow.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in FULTON, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Fulton County measured 15 to 20 inches of snow.  Thundersnow was reported from 1800 to 1900 LST on 2/1/11.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.  In addition, an 80-year old Cuba man suffering from dementia died on February 2nd when he wandered outside of his home into the snow.

Winter Storm in CUMBERLAND, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Weather observers across Cumberland County measured around one half an inch of sleet along with 1 to 2 inches of snow and between one quarter and one half an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed numerous trees and tree branches, causing power outages across the county.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Blizzard in WOODFORD, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Woodford County measured 12 to 17 inches of snow.  Thundersnow was reported from 1930 to 2030 LST on 2/1/11.  50 to 60 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  A peak wind gust of 64 mph was measured in Roanoke.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.  In addition, power was lost at the Eureka water well, causing a loss of water services to the city for more than 24 hours.

Blizzard in MASON, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Mason County measured 10 to 16 inches of snow, with the total for Havana coming in at 16 inches.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Ice Storm in RICHLAND, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Numerous weather observers across Richland County measured between one quarter and one half an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed tree branches, resulting in power outages across the county.  In addition, icy road conditions led to several traffic accidents.

Blizzard in KNOX, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Knox County measured 15 to 20 inches of snow, with the total for Galesburg coming in at 15 inches.  Thundersnow was reported from 1800 to 1900 LST on 2/1/11.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Winter Storm in DOUGLAS, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 13:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 350.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Douglas County measured 3 to 4 inches of sleet along with 4 to 6 inches of snow and around one quarter of an inch of ice.  Due to ice accumulations, numerous tree branches and power lines were downed, causing power outages across the county.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Blizzard in MCLEAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across McLean County measured 8 to 13 inches of snow, with the total for Bloomington coming in at 13 inches.  50 to 60 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Winter Storm in EDGAR, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 13:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 850.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Weather observers across Edgar County measured 2 to 3 inches of sleet along with 2 to 5 inches of snow and between one quarter and one half an inch of ice.  Due to the heavy glaze of ice, numerous tree limbs and power lines were downed, causing widespread power outages across the county.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Winter Storm in CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Champaign County measured 1 to 4 inches of sleet along with 6 to 8 inches of snow.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.  In addition, a 39-year old Champaign man died on February 1st of cardiac arrest suffered while trying to shovel snow at his home.

Blizzard in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 90.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Weather observers across Menard County measured 11 to 14 inches of snow.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Blizzard in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 10:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Weather observers across Logan County measured 9 to 13 inches of snow, with the official total at the National Weather Service office in Lincoln standing at 12 inches.  45 to 55 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Winter Storm in EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 900.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Effingham County measured around one half an inch of sleet along with 1 to 2 inches of snow and between one half and three quarters of an inch of ice.  The heavy glaze of ice downed tree limbs, causing widespread power outages across the county.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Winter Storm in CLARK, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 12:30:00 to 02-FEB-11 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 700.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Clark County measured 1 to 2 inches of sleet along with 2 inches of snow and around one half an inch of ice.  The glaze of ice caused power outages around the county, while snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.

Blizzard in MORGAN, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 09:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 220.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Weather observers across Morgan County measured 10 to 16 inches of snow, with the total for Jacksonville coming in at 12 inches.  Thundersnow was reported from 1800 to 1900 LST on 2/1/11.  40 to 50 mph winds accompanied the snow, reducing the visibility to near zero.  As a result of the blizzard conditions, travel became nearly impossible across the area.

Winter Storm in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 01-FEB-11 11:00:00 to 02-FEB-11 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Weather observers across Piatt County measured 1 to 2 inches of sleet along with 5 to 8 inches of snow.  Snow-covered and icy roads resulted in numerous traffic accidents.