Pontiac, IL – Residents across Livingston County are being urged to take cover immediately as a tornado warning remains in effect Tuesday afternoon for northeastern portions of the county, including the Pontiac area, where a rotating thunderstorm is moving east and capable of producing a tornado.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, radar detected rotation within a severe thunderstorm near Pontiac around 4:47 p.m. Tuesday. The storm was moving east at about 30 mph and could produce a tornado along with hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter. The warning remains active until 5:30 p.m.
Communities including Pontiac and Odell sit in the path of the storm as it tracks across northeastern Livingston County. Officials warn that flying debris will pose a serious danger to anyone outside. Mobile homes could be heavily damaged or destroyed, and strong winds may break tree limbs while damaging roofs, vehicles, and windows.
Drivers along Interstate 55 and nearby rural highways should avoid travel if possible as storms move through the area. Emergency managers advise residents to immediately move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
Anyone outdoors, in vehicles, or in mobile homes should quickly seek stronger shelter as the storm approaches. Weather alerts could expand if the storm maintains rotation while moving east through central Illinois.
