The National Weather Service in Paducah is calling for people to avoid travel if possible during the winter storm heading into the area.
Meteorologist Derrick Snyder said the region should expect to see significant amounts of snow and ice.
"We're looking, in terms of snow and sleet accumulations, at two to four inches across southern Illinois, with higher amounts the farther north you go and lower amounts the farther south you go," he said.
Ice accumulations may cause damage to power lines and trees, as well as creating hazardous road conditions.
The worst of the storm is predicted to hit on Thursday, with temperatures remaining low on Friday. But it is set to warm up over the weekend, with a predicted high in the upper 30s on Sunday that could melt off some of the snow and ice.