Springfield, Illinois – Illinois faces multiple rounds of thunderstorms through Monday, with the greatest concern shifting to damaging wind gusts as storms organize overnight before another chance for severe weather develops Monday afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, much of Illinois remains under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorms today. Forecasters say a few storms may develop during the afternoon, but the main threat is expected after midnight, when stronger thunderstorms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph capable of downing tree limbs, causing isolated power outages and making travel hazardous.
Communities from Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield and Decatur east toward Champaign and Danville could all see strong to severe storms if overnight activity develops as expected. While the exact track of the strongest storms remains uncertain, damaging straight-line winds are expected to be the primary hazard.
The weather pattern remains active into Monday. The National Weather Service says another round of thunderstorms could develop during the morning, followed by additional redevelopment during the afternoon and evening. Monday’s storms may also produce damaging winds, isolated large hail and locally heavy rainfall, but officials caution that the strength and location of the afternoon storms will depend on how the overnight system evolves.
Residents should secure outdoor items before storms arrive, charge electronic devices in case of scattered power outages and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight when storms are harder to see. Motorists should be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility and ponding of water on roads during heavier downpours.
Forecasters will continue refining the timing and severity of Monday’s storms, and additional watches or warnings may be issued as confidence increases.
