Southern Illinois placed under winter storm watch

"We're ready," said Du Quoin city administrator Brad Myers late Wednesday as a winter storm moved across the nation's mid-section, promising to bring a winter mix by mid-day Thursday and snow by Friday.

"We bought salt two months," ago said Myers. "We've checked hydraulic hoses and fluids and made any repairs to all of our equipment. We're ready."

Du Quoin Postmaster Steve Dinkins said Wednesday, "With winter officially underway, one seasonal tool is expected to make its return at homes and businesses throughout the Du Quoin-area--the shovel." He adds, "To help letter carriers deliver mail in the aftermath of the snow, the postal service asks customers to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs and mailboxes. Snow and ice make delivery dangerous," Dinkins said. "Maintaining a clear path to the mail box--including steps, porches, walkways and street approaches--will help letter carriers maintain consistent delivery service." He said that work extends to blue postal drop boxes on streets and near business locations. He warned that any obstructions will slow service throughout the winter and he is very appreciative of his customers' support.

Du Quoin schools have planned for a half-day dismissal regardless of the weather, but a spokeswoman indicated any school cancellations during the winter are generally decided upon late at night or in the early morning hours.

Here is the National Weather Service forecast for Du Quoin:

Thursday. Rain likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 33 by 5 p.m. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday Night Freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet before 9 p.m, then snow and sleet between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m, then snow after 3 a.m. Low around 25. North wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Snow. High near 26. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night. Partly cloudy, with a low around 9. North wind 9 to 11 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. North northeast wind around 10 mph.Saturday Night A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.

Sunday Snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a high near 30. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light north northeast in the afternoon.

Sunday Night A chance of snow and freezing rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the evening.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 30. West northwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.Tuesday. Sunny, with a high near 20. West northwest wind around 7 mph.