Arctic front brings cold snap and light snow to Jacksonville area

A blast of wintry weather moved into the Jacksonville area this week, ending several days of unseasonable warmth and bringing colder air and light, persistent snow to Morgan County. Forecasters for the National Weather Service in Lincoln had expected warmer conditions earlier in the week, with highs in the 50s, but an Arctic front arrived Wednesday and pushed daytime temperatures sharply lower.

Highs fell to about 39 degrees Wednesday, and forecasts showed the mercury dropping to near 29 degrees Thursday before rebounding briefly to about 39 on Friday and tumbling again to around 24 degrees for Saturday and Sunday. Single-digit overnight lows and wind chills approaching zero were possible late in the week, increasing risks for hypothermia and frostbite for people who are outdoors or unheated homes.

Snow fell lightly on a daily basis beginning Wednesday. Total accumulations were expected to be modest, about 1 to 2 inches for the week, but slick spots and localized icing can still disrupt travel on county roads and secondary highways. Even small amounts of snow combined with cold temperatures can create hazardous sidewalks and steps around homes and businesses.

The sudden change has public health and equity implications for Morgan County. Older adults, people with chronic lung or heart conditions, and residents who lack reliable heating are most at risk from prolonged exposure to cold. People experiencing housing instability or living in poorly insulated mobile homes will likely face higher heating costs and more immediate danger from the drop in temperature. Cold weather can also aggravate chronic conditions and lead to more emergency department visits.

Local emergency planners and community groups will need to watch for power outages and spikes in demand for warming assistance. For residents, practical steps include checking on older neighbors and people who use home oxygen, bringing pets indoors, protecting exposed plumbing from freezing, and avoiding nonessential travel when roads are slick. Drivers should give themselves extra time on commutes and be mindful of bridges and overpasses that freeze first.

Agricultural and outdoor workers should layer clothing and plan breaks indoors to reduce exposure. Parents and caregivers should ensure young children have adequate clothing and shelter, since infants are especially vulnerable to rapid heat loss.

Our two cents? Think neighborhood first: check on those who may struggle with the cold, move outdoor animals to sheltered areas if you can, and delay risky travel until roads have been treated. Small precautions now can prevent medical emergencies and keep Morgan County safer through this chilly stretch.