Peoria, Illinois – Strong thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes could rapidly develop across central and north-central Illinois Tuesday evening, putting drivers and residents across 24 counties under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 32 covers a broad stretch of the state including Peoria, La Salle, Kankakee, Bloomington-Normal and surrounding communities. Storms may produce isolated tornadoes, wind gusts above 60 mph and hail large enough to damage vehicles and roofs through the late evening hours.
Communities along the I-74 corridor from Peoria to Bloomington-Normal and north toward La Salle and Grundy counties could see storms intensify quickly after sunset. Counties included in the watch range from Bureau and Henry counties in the north to Fulton, Mason and McDonough counties farther west and south.
Emergency managers urge residents to keep phones charged and enable wireless emergency alerts. If warnings are issued, the safest place is a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. Drivers should avoid stopping under highway overpasses during severe storms.
The watch remains active until 11 p.m. Tuesday, and additional warnings could be issued if storms strengthen across central Illinois during the evening commute and overnight hours.
