Weather
Illinois Weather Alert Nov. 3: 60 MPH Winds, Tornado Risk Today in Springfield
Springfield, IL – Portions of west central Illinois face a threat of severe thunderstorms Tuesday, Nov. 3, with damaging wind gusts near 60 mph, isolated tornadoes and localized flooding possible duri
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-11-03T08:55:36.526Z
Springfield, IL – Portions of west central Illinois face a threat of severe thunderstorms Tuesday, Nov. 3, with damaging wind gusts near 60 mph, isolated tornadoes and localized flooding possible during the afternoon and evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the primary severe weather window extends from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday as thunderstorms move northeast across the region at approximately 40 to 50 mph.
Damaging Winds and Tornadoes Possible Forecasters have identified damaging winds as one of the primary concerns, with stronger thunderstorms capable of producing gusts approaching 60 mph.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of west central Illinois under a Level 1 out of 5 severe weather risk, indicating isolated severe thunderstorms are possible.
The National Weather Service also warns that a tornado or two cannot be ruled out with some of the strongest storms.
Communities around Quincy, Jacksonville, Beardstown and surrounding west central Illinois counties should remain alert as thunderstorms develop Tuesday afternoon.
Large hail is not expected to be a primary hazard, with forecast hail sizes generally remaining below 1 inch.
Heavy Rain Could Trigger Localized Flooding In addition to damaging winds, some thunderstorms could produce localized downpours exceeding 1 inch of rainfall.
Forecasters warn that heavy rain could result in flooding in low lying and urban areas, particularly where drainage systems become overwhelmed.
Drivers traveling along Interstate 72, Interstate 55 and other regional highways should be prepared for rapidly changing visibility, standing water and potentially hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to review severe weather safety plans before storms arrive, especially those who may be away from their usual shelter locations.
Anyone receiving a tornado warning should immediately move to a sturdy building and seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Residents should monitor updated National Weather Service warnings throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening as the storm system moves across Illinois.