Springfield, Ill. – Severe thunderstorms are set to move into central Illinois after 5 p.m. Wednesday, bringing a threat of damaging winds, torrential rain, and the possibility of brief tornadoes across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a strong line of storms will develop along a cold front pushing south through the state Wednesday evening. The highest risk zone stretches from Galesburg and Bloomington down to Champaign and Rushville, where wind gusts may top 60 mph and tornado chances range from 2-5 percent.
Cities including Peoria, Springfield, Jacksonville, and Taylorville could see power outages and hazardous travel conditions during the evening commute. Heavy rainfall may also lead to localized flooding, especially along highways like I-55, I-72, and I-74. Residents are urged to stay weather aware, charge electronic devices, and have multiple ways to receive tornado warnings.
This severe weather pattern is the most significant to impact central Illinois this July and is reminiscent of previous summer outbreaks. The threat will gradually shift south overnight, but new advisories could be issued as conditions evolve.
Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in effect through late Wednesday night; updates will follow as the situation develops.
