CENTRAL ILLINOIS — A powerful winter storm created treacherous conditions across Central Illinois on Thursday night and Friday, leading to more than 200 roadway incidents and a fatal crash shutdown on Interstate 57, according to Illinois State Police.

^{I-57 near Mattoon}

Troopers across Troops 5, 6, 7, and 9 reported a surge in emergency calls beginning around 3 p.m. Thursday, as freezing temperatures and accumulating snow made highways extremely slick. By early Friday afternoon, police had logged:

• 157 motorist assists,

• 58 property-damage crashes,

• 15 injury crashes.

^{I-57 in the Mattoon area}

Motorist assists included stranded vehicles, ditch slide-offs, breakdowns, and other incidents where drivers needed help but no crash occurred.

The most severe situation unfolded Friday morning in Coles County, where troopers and deputies responded to at least nine separate crashes on I-57, including one fatal crash near milepost 203. The southbound lanes were immediately shut down, with traffic diverted at Exit 203 (Arcola).

 ^{I-55 under I-72 in Springfield}

Officials said several secondary crashes occurred in the traffic backup, with vehicles losing control on the icy roadway. Northbound lanes also became blocked between mile markers 190–192, causing significant congestion in both directions.

^{I-57 near Arcola}

State Police emphasized that many drivers were traveling too fast for conditions, contributing to the chain of incidents.

Authorities continue to warn motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, use extreme caution, and expect extended delays as crews work to clear highways and assist stranded drivers according to WCIA.

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