Central Illinois – Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit central Illinois Thursday evening, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that these storms will develop in the late afternoon, moving eastward across the region by evening.
According to the NWS, the storms are forecasted to begin forming after 5 p.m. and will sweep through central Illinois, reaching their peak intensity between 5 p.m. and midnight. While the primary threats include wind gusts and large hail, isolated tornadoes and heavy rainfall are also possible. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, secure outdoor objects, and have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts.
The extended forecast shows a return to calm weather following Thursday’s storms. Friday is expected to be sunny with a high of 86°F, and similar conditions are forecast through the weekend. However, residents should prepare for the severe weather Thursday by staying indoors during storms and being ready to take shelter if necessary.
