Winter blast packs punch across central Illinois

DECATUR, Ill (WAND) - The first major snowstorm of the season packed a punch across central Illinois on Saturday.

Several counties and cities declared snow emergencies and several events and church services have canceled for Sunday.

A Winter Storm Warning for most of central Illinois is expected to expire early Sunday morning.

Most of central Illinois saw between 3" and 8" of snow with some locally heavier amounts. Rain mixed in with snow late Saturday.

PHOTOS | Winter Blast images from around central Illinois

Several thousand people lost power in Sangamon County Saturday evening. Ameren was in the Rochester area to restore electricity.

Weather Blog: SNOW IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS: WHAT IS WEATHER OVERRUNNING?

The snowstorm was expected to exit Illinois early Sunday.

Snow plows have been out since the storm started. Interstates in some areas are clear while others remain snow covered. The cold overnight temperatures presented an opportunity for icy conditions.

Many city roads remain snow covered and most neighborhood streets have yet to see a snow plow. Most cities and towns expect lesser traveled roads to see a plow overnight and into Sunday.

County roads remain very snow covered in most places as blowing and drifting snow has compounded clearing efforts.

WATCH | LIVE weather cameras across central Illinois

Illinois State Police recommends drivers who have to be out over the weekend to drive with caution and care. ISP recommends to:

Plan your travel, selecting both primary and alternate routes
Let someone know your travel routes and itinerary so that, if you don't arrive on time, officials will know where to search for you
Check latest weather information before leaving
Try not to travel alone - two or three people are preferable
Travel in convoy, if possible
Drive carefully and defensively and watch for ice patches on bridges and overpasses
If a storm begins to be too much for you to handle, get off the roads immediately
If your car should become disabled, stay with the vehicle, running your engine and heater for short intervals. Be sure to "crack" a window in the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide build-up

ISP also reminds drivers to have a full gas tank, especially when traveling in rural parts of the state.

The WAND Weather Team is forecasting high temperatures over the next several days to be in the mid-to-upper twenties. Overnight lows could be in the teens.

Download the WAND Weather app and stay up-to-date with the latest forecast, snow totals, and weather videos.