The City of Jacksonville has declared a Snow Emergency tonight. Residents are asked to not park on snow routes this evening and tonight.

A countless number of accidents and slide offs have been reported in Jacksonville and Morgan County. One of the major accidents we've heard about includes one on I-72 in the westbound lane on the exit ramp near the prison. Several dozen vehicles were reported to be moving slowly trying to get into Jacksonville. No word from the Illinois State Police on that accident.

Another accident involved a school bus going into a ditch in South Jacksonville. It happened in the 100 block of Comfort Drive at 2:30. A District 117 bus was carrying Turner Junior High and Jacksonville High School students. No injuries were reported.

The South Jacksonville Police Department says the students were transferred to another bus. The original bus was not damaged, but it was towed.

Illinois State Police say Interstate 72 is at a standstill in many locations.

Law enforcement officials are urging motorists to drive carefully on the way home. Authorities say residents should avoid travel if at all possible the rest of the night.

The precipitation has been snow so far in Jacksonville but some sleet and freezing rain may mix in this evening. So far, the WLDS-WEAI Reporting Station has recorded about 4.5 inches of snow.