Kewanee, Illinois – A fast-moving storm capable of producing a tornado was tracking across western Illinois Tuesday evening, threatening communities near Kewanee and the Interstate 80 corridor through 7:15 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, a Tornado Warning was issued at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday for southeastern Henry County and southwestern Bureau County. Radar detected rotation within a severe thunderstorm near Kewanee Municipal Airport, moving northeast at 40 mph.
The storm is expected to move across Kewanee, Neponset and Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park around 6:35 p.m., with Sheffield and Buda around 6:45 p.m. Motorists along Interstate 80 between mile markers 39 and 45 could encounter sudden downpours, hail and rapidly deteriorating visibility.
Meteorologists warn the storm may produce golf ball-size hail up to 1.75 inches along with damaging winds and a possible tornado. Flying debris could pose a serious threat to anyone outdoors or in vehicles.
Residents in Henry and Bureau counties should take shelter immediately in a basement or the lowest interior room of a sturdy building and avoid windows. Those in mobile homes or vehicles should move quickly to the nearest substantial shelter.
The Tornado Warning remains in effect until 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, and additional warnings could follow as the storm continues northeast across western Illinois.
