Yeah, there's always a lot of lunatics along 55.
When I used to go to Bradley University in Peoria, there would always be a bunch of crazy asses at the gas stations in Chenoa (10 minutes south of Pontiac on I-55).
I knew I shouldn't stop at the rest stops by myself but didn't think gas stations were a threat.
One time I was coming back home for Thanksgiving, after my last night class, so it was really late....like 10 at night or something. I had stopped at the gas station right off the exit to Chenoa.
While I was putting gas in my car, this dude in a yellow sportscar kept staring at me. After I was done, I got into my car and started back towards the highway when I noticed the yellow sportscar right behind me. Didn't think anything of it until he started tailgating me at a very dangerous distance going 70 miles an hour down the highway. I would slow down thinking he would pass me but of course he didn't, so he basically followed me like that all the fuck to Kankakee. He was obviously just fucking with me, but it scared the shit out me.
So yeah....that's my experience while driving through Central/ Southern Illinois.
As for the weather....be careful driving! The winds can get really bad driving on those open highways.
Be careful and see you at the Fest!