Weather
Champaign, IL Weather Alert: 60 MPH Winds, Hail Possible Today
Champaign, IL – Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across eastern Illinois Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 11, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, quarter si
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-11-11T20:21:16.435Z
Champaign, IL – Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across eastern Illinois Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 11, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, quarter size hail and a low but nonzero tornado threat. Forecasters indicate there is a 40% chance that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch will be issued.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois, an update issued Wednesday at 1:36 p.m. CST identifies eastern Illinois as the primary area of concern as storms develop along a cold front later this afternoon and continue into early evening.
Damaging Winds and Large Hail Possible The Storm Prediction Center's Mesoscale Discussion No. 2449, valid from 1:45 to 4:45 p.m. EST Wednesday, highlights the possibility of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms.
The primary hazards include locally damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and hail potentially reaching 1 inch in diameter, approximately the size of a quarter.
Forecasters also identify a low but nonzero tornado threat.
Communities across eastern Illinois, including portions of the Champaign Urbana and Danville areas, should remain alert as storms develop and move through the region.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Possible The National Weather Service reports a 40% probability of a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being issued.
That percentage represents the likelihood of a watch being issued, not the probability that any individual community will experience severe weather.
Storms are expected to develop later Wednesday afternoon, with the severe weather threat diminishing by early evening.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to move indoors if threatening weather approaches.
If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a sturdy building, preferably in a basement or small interior room away from windows.
Outdoor activities and evening travel could be affected by rapidly changing weather conditions.
Residents should continue monitoring National Weather Service alerts throughout Wednesday afternoon and early evening as forecasters track storm development.