Springfield, Ill. – Tornadoes and damaging winds could threaten parts of central Illinois Friday night as a round of strong to severe thunderstorms moves into the region after sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Level 2 (Slight Risk) area of concern stretches west of the Illinois River, including Peoria, Macomb, and Galesburg. Storms may begin as early as late afternoon but are more likely to intensify after dark. The main hazards include wind gusts over 60 mph, quarter-size hail, and a 2% chance of isolated tornadoes.
Cities along and west of I-55 — such as Springfield, Jacksonville, and Canton — are in line for the strongest impacts. East of the I-55 corridor, storms are expected to weaken, though a few gusty cells could linger into the overnight hours. Residents are urged to monitor alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially while sleeping.
This system comes as part of a broader Midwest disturbance, with similar threats extending into eastern Iowa and northern Missouri. If storms materialize as expected, it could mark one of the more active severe weather nights this July for western Illinois.
Further updates and potential watches may be issued as the event nears.
