SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – Depending on where you are located in our area, you’re either under a Wind Advisory or a High Wind Warning until Midnight tonight.

Counties in the Wind Advisory area include Alexander, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Perry, Pulaski, Saline Union Wayne and Williamson counties.

Counties in our area in the High Wind Warning area include Massac, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope and White.

If you are in the Wind Advisory area, south to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected.

Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Wet ground may result in some trees being uprooted, and tree limbs will be blown down. Power outages are possible. High profile vehicles will have difficulty.

If you are in the High Wind Warning area, south to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected.

Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

The effective impact of these high wind gusts cannot be overstated, especially as they occur over saturated grounds where trees will be more easily uprooted.

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

Meanwhile, A powerful storm system will move through the region today. With high winds, heavy rains and a few thunderstorms. There is a small chance of severe storms with hail. Localized flooding issues are possible. A changeover to sleet and snow is expected but conditions should dry out before much, if any accumulation occurs.

Another big storm hits Sunday through Monday, dropping temperatures below freezing as early as Saturday night, where they remain until the middle of next week. Widespread subzero wind chills are forecast each night Sunday night through Tuesday night. This extended cold snap will be dangerous to those without adequate shelter and threaten plumbing and other cold-sensitive infrastructure. Snowfall accumulations remain a possibility from later Sunday through Monday, but amounts are trending downward and no more than two inches are currently forecast, mainly along the Tennessee and Arkansas border region.

So, what can you do to prepare for the Arctic blast heading our way?

According to the National Weather Service, you should wear breathable layers of clothing that can wick away sweat. Hats, scarves, earmuffs, and gloves will also keep your warm.

You should avoid sweating and getting wet. Contact with water and moisture can cause your body to lose heat rapidly, resulting in dangerous conditions.

You should check on your family and neighbors. Make sure to look out for them, especially those who live alone.

And know the symptoms of Hypothermia. Seek medical help for uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, or apparent exhaustion.

If you have to travel, share your travel plans with family or friends, winterize your vehicle, get the weather forecast, check road conditions and pack an emergency supply kit.

For more tips and additional information, go to weather.gov/winter.

You can always check the latest road conditions across Illinois at gettingaroundillinois.com.