<b>By CINDY LADAGE<br>
Illinois Correspondent</b> </p><p>

VIRDEN, Ill.— The first two weeks in December brought ice and snow to the Midwest.</p><p>
Particularly, central Illinois was hit first with an ice storm that, while somewhat moderate, was strong enough in Morgan County for it to be declared a disaster area. Schools closed, Christmas programs were cancelled and the public was warned to stay home.</p><p>
When the ice had just finished melting, throughout the next week several inches of snow fell on central Illinois, creating a hauntingly beautiful, but dangerous, scene.</p><p>
After the snowfall, the next day was followed by freezing fog that literally flocked the trees and everything in its path.</p><p>
With real winter storms on their way – as the season officially began on Dec. 21 – to what does the Midwest have to look forward?