Springfield, Ill. – Residents across central and southeast Illinois should prepare for potentially severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon as a strengthening line of storms brings the threat of 60 mph wind gusts, torrential rainfall and isolated tornadoes during the late-day commute. The highest risk stretches across central Illinois, especially southwest of Lincoln, where stronger storms could create hazardous travel and localized power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, thunderstorms are expected to intensify between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday as they move east across the state at around 30 mph. The greatest severe weather threat is focused across western and southwestern portions of the forecast area, including Springfield, Jacksonville, Taylorville, Beardstown and nearby communities, where the Storm Prediction Center has placed the area under a Level 2 of 5 (Slight Risk) for severe weather.
The strongest storms may produce damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, rainfall exceeding 2 inches in localized areas and a low risk for one or two tornadoes, primarily west of Springfield. Urban flooding is possible where heavy downpours repeatedly move over the same locations, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Farther east, including Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Effingham, Danville and Paris, storms remain possible but are expected to be less intense under a Level 1 of 5 (Marginal Risk). Even outside the highest-risk area, lightning, brief heavy rain and gusty winds could still affect outdoor events and evening travel.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive and avoid driving through flooded roadways. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows.
Storms are expected to weaken later Friday night as they continue east, but additional watches or warnings may be issued during the afternoon if conditions become more favorable for severe weather.
