Central Illinois – Severe thunderstorms are set to impact central Illinois this afternoon and evening, bringing significant threats of damaging winds and large hail. Forecasts predict gusts up to 90 mph and hailstones as large as baseballs.
According to the US National Weather Service, the storms will develop north of central Illinois and move southward, with the most critical period for severe weather between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. The area northwest of a Beardstown-to-Bloomington line is at the highest risk.
Alongside the storm threat, hot and humid conditions will prevail, with heat indexes nearing 100 degrees in the western central part of the state. This combination of extreme heat and severe weather poses substantial hazards to residents.
The Weather Service also warns of the potential for isolated tornadoes and localized flash flooding due to high rainfall rates.
