Springfield, IL – Gusty winds are forecasted to hit southeast and central Illinois on Friday afternoon, driven by the remnants of Tropical Depression Helene. Winds are expected to strengthen through Friday evening, with some areas seeing gusts over 50 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, the highest winds will affect Galesburg, Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur. Wind speeds will vary throughout the day, with gusts reaching between 35 to 50 mph at their peak. The strongest winds are predicted in the afternoon and early evening.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution while driving, especially in high-profile vehicles. The wind gusts could also impact power lines, possibly leading to localized outages.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory to inform the public of potential risks posed by these high winds. The remnants of Tropical Depression Helene, moving through southeast Illinois, will continue into Saturday, with winds decreasing later that evening.
