<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

RobBradleyjpeg-1679518597323.jpeg

<p>A pair of intense storm systems will continue to unload heavy precipitation in California, following several impactful systems that created major flooding and mudslides during the holidays. Additional flash flooding will be possible, along with mudslides and debris flows, isolated severe storms, gusty winds, and heavy mountain snow.</p><h1>Forecast Set-Up</h1><p>A series of troughs will move in from the west coast, bringing Pacific moisture and onshore flow. As a cold front crashes into the coastline, storms will begin moving inland by later tonight. Subsequent surface lows moving in over the next few days will keep the pattern soggy through the weekend.</p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/dews-1767364633514.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Flooding &amp; Severe Storms</h1><p>Rainfall totals could surpass 4-6 inches, or even higher, by the first part of next week in several mountain locations, including the San Gabriels north of Los Angeles. This will likely lead to flash flood development and possibly mudslides.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132922-1767385768228.png"></p><p>Flash flood potential is expected to be the highest on Saturday, with the WPC's excessive rainfall outlook showing two areas with slight risks. Flood watches have been added in Northern California, but we expect more to be added in the coming days.</p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-02 05-57-53-1767359456329.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133000-1767385807829.png"></p><p>As the core of the upper-level system moves in behind the front on Saturday afternoon, a few severe thunderstorms will be possible. Damaging winds are likely to be the primary threat, but a few isolated tornadoes are possible.</p><p></p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133109-1767385877323.png">Timing / Forecast</h1><p>Two main rounds of heavy precipitation are expected to develop. The first begins this afternoon but really ramps up tonight into Saturday midday, with another round on Sunday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/FORECAST-1767390519453.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow &amp; Wind</h1><p><strong>Winter Storm Warnings</strong> are now in effect for the Sierra Nevada as well as the Trinity-Shasta mountains. Several feet of snow are expected to accumulate by the end of the weekend in many areas, including on I-80 over the Donner Pass. Snow levels are expected to start around 8,000 feet tonight before dropping Saturday evening quickly to around 5,000 feet.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133147-1767385914386.png"></p><p>Areas in orange and white could see 2-4 feet of snow, which is great news for the Sierra. The snowpack remains well-below average due to the slow start to the season.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133310-1767385997987.png"></p><p>Winds will remain gusty as these systems move onshore, with gusts topping 45-60 mph for the coastal mountains and into the Great Basin.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133333-1767386020714.png"><br>More details on your Western Regional Forecast can always be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p>

Patrick Crawford

Flooding, Severe Storms, and Snow Take Aim at California

Screenshot20260102073402png-1767364453912.png

<p>After colder air settles into the Southeast earlier this week, warmer temperatures will briefly return ahead of an approaching storm system, setting the stage for severe weather.</p><p>The low diving across the Mississippi Valley today will move through the Carolinas on Saturday, dragging a cold front across the Gulf Coast. As warmer and moist air surges north ahead of the boundary, a line of severe storms could develop.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133501-1767386107854.png"></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is highlighting areas from Mobile to Charleston and south to Jacksonville for isolated severe weather potential. This includes wind and hail threats, but it also does include a tornado potential (below).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 081721-1767367745171.png"></p><p>Rain is expected to track east along the warm front Friday evening into Saturday from the Mid-South into the Southeast. Light to moderate rain will continue across Georgia and the Carolinas north of the low, before storms unzip along the cold front Saturday afternoon in the severe weather outlook area farther south. Storms will be racing offshore in Georgia late in the evening, but a few strong storms could persist into Central Florida early Sunday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/FORECAST-1767388538382.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Heavy rain is expected to fall in thunderstorms, with rainfall rates over 1" per hour possible. Some totals could surpass 2-3" in some areas, but flash flooding isn't expected.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 133631-1767386199172.png"></p><p>Get the SE Regional Forecast at :10 past the hour or watch anytime with the WeatherNation app!</p>

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

Screenshot20260102081709png-1767367046142.png

Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

AlanaCameronjpeg-1679518648021.jpeg

<h1>Northern U.S.</h1><p>In the North-Central U.S., an Alberta Clipper will help reinforce the cooler air as we move into the weekend. Morning lows and afternoon highs will be well below normal for many spots in the northern U.S.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 131959-1767385206537.png"></p><p>Be cautious of the wind chill; some of these spots may read above zero on a thermometer, but they will feel even colder than that. Some wind-chills could reach the single digits.</p><p>Temperatures will not rise significantly in the afternoon. Check out the high temperatures to start the weekend! </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132146-1767385317298.png"></p><h2><strong>Southern U.S.</strong></h2><p><strong>Frost and Freeze Warnings</strong> were issued earlier this week across portions of the South. Here is a look at the temperatures that kicked off 2026 on Thursday!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-01 074114-1767278487500.jpg"></p><p>Temperatures have been warming back up to end the week. Many areas will be at or above normal with high temperatures into the weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 132431-1767385475366.png"></p><p>Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation, as we continue to monitor the cold air! </p>

Dave Holder

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

Screenshot20260102132631png-1767385594199.png

Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

JackieBrownjpeg-1679518619427.jpeg

<h1>THIS WEEK</h1><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2007081945495441814" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2007081945495441814"></div><p>After a clipper system moved through the Northeast yesterday, the wind shifted directions coming out of the north, moving over the Great Lakes, continuing the heavy lake effect snow over the Northeast. <strong>Winter Weather Advisories</strong> and <strong>Lake Effect Snow Warnings</strong> remain in place through Saturday. Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Syracuse broke a record with 24.2" of snowfall, and could see additional snowfall through the weekend!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767208072325.jpg"></p><h1><strong>WHAT TO EXPECT / </strong>TIMING</h1><p>A clipper system will continue to push through the Northeast through the rest of today, bringing rounds of snow across the Great Lakes and the Northeast. As this system passes, winds will be out of the west to northwest, helping to get the lake-effect machine cranking. Heavy snow and gusty winds will be the primary concerns. This will make for hazardous travel conditions.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web 3-1767362343291.png"></p><h1>SNOW TOTALS</h1><p>Today will bring heavy lake-effect snow to western New York, particularly for residents along the shores of Lake Erie and Ontario. Not only will there be heavy snow, but gusty conditions and blowing snow can also impact visibility, making travel conditions hazardous.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 131730-1767385064989.png"></p><p>The impacts of this snow event could be big for localized areas of western New York State. Areas around Oswego are looking at major winter storm impacts.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-02 131822-1767385109236.png"></p><p>Tune into WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your eastern regional forecast with the latest updates on the lake-effect snow.</p>

More Lake Effect Snow Across the Great Lakes

Screenshot20260102131350png-1767384832064.png

WeatherNation Meteorologists

headshotspng-1676305264677.png

<p>As 2025 wrapped up, we took a look back at the weather stories that mattered most in the year.</p><h1><strong>JANUARY</strong></h1><p>January was a dramatic start to 20-25. From the West Coast to the East Coast -- records were broken. We started the year with destructive wildfires in California and transitioned to the highest snowfall totals ever recorded for some cities across the Gulf Coast. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Taban Sharifi looks back on the first month of the year in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZhCDrfucevU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>FEBRUARY</strong></h1><p>February 2025 brought significant atmospheric rivers to the west and severe weather that stretched from Alabama to New York, changing the lives of millions.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Tracey Anthony takes a look back at February's headlines. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford has a look at these Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gDPn1enLwDU" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>MARCH</strong></h1><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">From devastating wildfires to record-breaking floods and widespread severe storms, including one of the most violent </span><span style="color: inherit">Mar</span>ch<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)"> tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the Spring of 2025 started more lion than lamb. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Meteorologist Tracey Anthony details the Top Weather Events of 2025.</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1jDoUNdsQsE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>APRIL</strong></h1><p>Tornadoes and flooding brought a one-two punch in April. Meteorologist Adrian Hernandez takes a look back at our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2jrVc9pVRbw" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>MAY</strong></h1><p>Record-setting rainfall and destructive severe weather outbreaks dominated headlines in May. Meteorologist Jackie Brown tells us why in our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_kRQ9kP-Alg" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>JUNE</strong></h1><p>This summer, the U.S. saw its first EF-5 tornado in more than a decade. Meteorologist Dave Holder highlights June as we continue our look at the Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZYPfSprBeo" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>JULY</strong></h1><p>The Fourth of July holiday weekend turned deadly and destructive. Meteorologist Rob Bradley looks back on the impacts of July’s tropical moisture in our Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n3zverrLAdk" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>AUGUST</strong></h1><p><br>August was the start of a long period of coastal erosion for the Eastern Seaboard. Meteorologist Jesse Kelley chronicles July’s once-in-a-generation flooding in our Top Weather Events of August 2025.&nbsp;</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vA89EW49pkE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>SEPTEMBER</strong></h1><p>Relentless tropical rains from the Eastern Pacific and dueling hurricanes in the Atlantic. Meteorologist Patrick Crawford shows us the impacts of September in our Top Weather Events of 2025. &nbsp;</p><p></p><h1><strong>OCTOBER</strong></h1><p>Tropical impacts hit their peak in October. Meteorologist Alana Cameron highlights Category Five Hurricane Melissa’s devastating hit to Jamaica in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2M04A7WEpiI" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>NOVEMBER</strong></h1><p>An early start to winter left thousands stranded in a Thanksgiving storm. Meteorologist Kevin Schneider has the details as we look back on November in our Top Weather Events of 2025.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wuodtzDlAAc" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>DECEMBER</strong></h1><p>Historic river flooding inundated Washington and California, while constant clippers roamed the Northern U.S. Meteorologist Brittany Lockley rounds out the final month of the year in our Top Weather Events of 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/80oB37u25nQ" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><h1><strong>Other Natural Phenomena</strong></h1><p>It wasn’t just the weather making headlines this year. Meteorologist Alana Cameron talks about the other forces of nature that caught our attention in 2025.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xPIOEoUUDv4" start="0"></iframe></div>

Top Weather Events of 2025

TopEvents2025SlateStillpng-1765311386984.png

<p>As we say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026, many parts of the country can expect active weather for this year’s ball drop. In New York City, home to the nation’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, conditions will turn cool through the evening and overnight, with a low chance for a few light snowflakes around midnight. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, dropping into the 20s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/PIC 2-1767206581020.jpg"></p><p>Here’s an early look at the forecast: a few light snow showers may be possible on New Year’s Eve across the region, but accumulations are not expected.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/12-30_rne bams-1767123576095.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Did you know the first-ever ball drop originated in New York City back in 1907? Luckily for the spectators who gathered in Times Square on December 31, 1907, the weather cooperated. The day reached a high of 44°F with a low of 35°F, milder than the current normal high of 41°F and low of 30°F for December 31. Still, as the ball dropped at midnight, spectators definitely needed their winter coats, as the 35°F temperature felt colder with 20-mph west winds.</p><p>Across the rest of the country, other unique “ball drops” will be taking place, and in many spots, the weather looks chilly.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172400-1767140647149.png"><br>Out west, some locations will stay relatively mild. In Boise, Idaho, spectators can enjoy the famous potato drop with temperatures around 40 degrees at midnight.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172354-1767140651187.png"></p><p>In the Southeast, a giant peach will NOT be dropping this year in Atlanta; the city is opting for a New Year's celebration called Countdown Over ATL. Temperatures will still be cool if you're participating. Still, some other spots will be dropping unusual items such as a giant orange in Miami, a giant pineapple in Sarasota, and a giant conch in Key West, where temperatures will be in the 50s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-30 172347-1767140655771.png"></p><p>Across the rest of the nation, some can expect a cool and rainy New Year's Eve like the southwest, and bitter cold in the northern Plains.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-29 05-28-37-1767011338082.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>For a more detailed look at the days leading up to the New Year, be sure to join us on WeatherNation all week long, we’re streaming 24/7!</p>

Brittany Lockley

Weather for the Ball Drop: What to Expect as 2026 Begins

Screenshot20251230172326png-1767140610155.png

<p><strong>TAZEWELL COUNTY, IL </strong> - On December 28th, a strong cold front moving through the Midwest produced dangerous and damaging storms as it moved through. In Illinois, many of these thunderstorms triggered tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service from Lincoln and Chicago in the afternoon. Later in the day, additional tornado warnings were issued by the NWS in Northern Indiana, Paducah, and Louisville, Kentucky. At least two tornadoes have been confirmed.</p><p>One of these tornadoes was in Tazewell County, Illinois. Here is some of the damage that was captured on camera in the area.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005655047665770791" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2005655047665770791"></div><p>The National Weather Service has confirmed this to be an EF-1 tornado with maximum winds of 98 mph, leaving behind damage to two outbuildings and numerous trees.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-29 164352-1767051837245.png">Just down the road in Mount Zion, Illinois, an even stronger tornado was reported with winds of 120 mph, bringing it up to EF-2 in strength. The National Weather Service in Lincoln <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSILX&amp;e=202512292155&amp;bbb=CCA">reports </a>that this tornado tore through it, <em>"removed the majority of the roofs off of 8 homes and  produced complete destruction of a garage that was tossed to the next block."</em></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot 2025-12-29 163709-1767051919355.png">This tornado was also captured on camera in Mount Zion.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2005632521158144068" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2005632521158144068"></div><p>After the frontal boundary moved through, temperatures dropped significantly, and some spots even saw snowfall. For more on how the weather will be in these area,s be sure to join us on WeatherNation live for more!</p>

Tornadoes Confirmed In Illinois From Sunday

ezgif5c3253473c57ae65gif-1767053663721.gif

<p>The Storm Prediction Center has dropped tonight's outlook for severe weather across the Red River Valley of Oklahoma and Texas. Sunday's storms brought us a tornado warning near the city of Gould, Oklahoma.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1896307238693921165" src="https://x.com/NWStornado/status/1896307238693921165"></div><p>The cell that warranted this tornado warning was caught on camera as a funnel cloud near the city of Quanah, Texas.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/VO_030225_RSC_NEAR QUANAH, TX_BABY FUNNEL TRYNA HIT THE QUANAH_TW_@SEVEREWXUPDATES_NC_E030225-1740966726152.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><br>Although the severe weather threat has ended through tonight, it's important during this time of year to refresh your severe weather plan. March is the beginning of the most active tornado time of year.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot 2025-03-02 185341-1740966848779.jpg"><br></p>

Severe Threat Ends Overnight for Red River Valley

Flooding, Severe Storms, and Snow Take Aim at California

A pair of intense storm systems will continue

Severe Storms Target the Southeast on Saturday

After colder air settles into the Southeast e

Chilly Air Across the Northern States

Northern U.S.In the North-Central U.S., an Al

More Lake Effect Snow Across the Great Lakes

THIS WEEKAfter a clipper system moved through

Top Weather Events of 2025

As 2025 wrapped up, we took a look back at th

Weather for the Ball Drop: What to Expect as 2026 Begins

As we say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026, m

Tornadoes Confirmed In Illinois From Sunday

TAZEWELL COUNTY, IL - On December 28th, a st