01/23/2026
WINTER STORM SAFETY UPDATE — Christopher & Surrounding Areas
A significant winter storm is moving into our area this weekend, bringing heavy snow and bitter cold. A National Weather Service Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Franklin County from 12:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24 through 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25—travel may become very difficult, and in spots, nearly impossible.
Warming Center (Business Hours)
Christopher Civic Center
208 N. Thomas St., Christopher, IL 62822
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
618-724-7648
Note: Per the county listing, this location is not pet-friendly, so please plan accordingly.
Please be respectful and patient with service providers—road crews, utility workers, first responders, and local staff will be working through difficult conditions. A little grace goes a long way.
Community reminders
Check on your neighbors, especially seniors, those living alone, and anyone without reliable heat.
Bring pets inside and ensure animals have warm, dry shelter and unfrozen water.
Stay in if you can. If you must go out, allow extra time and drive like the roads are worse than they look.
Driver warning (if travel is unavoidable)
Slow down, increase following distance, and watch for bridges/overpasses (they ice first).
Keep a winter kit in your vehicle: blanket, flashlight, phone charger, water, snacks.
Give plows plenty of room and avoid unnecessary travel so crews can work.
A few more smart prep steps
Charge phones/power banks now; keep key contacts written down.
Prevent frozen pipes: drip a faucet, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, and know where your shutoff valve is.
Heat safely: use space heaters with clearance, and never run grills/ovens for heat—make sure CO detectors are working.
For real-time Illinois road conditions, use IDOT’s winter road resources before heading out.
Please share this post so the information travels. Above all—be safe.
