Champaign, IL – A volatile storm system will strike central Illinois on Sunday, bringing risks of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
The National Weather Service warns that multiple rounds of thunderstorms will move through the region, especially along the I-55 corridor by midday. Some storms could become severe, producing wind gusts over 70 mph, hail larger than 2 inches in diameter, and isolated tornadoes. Storm spotter activation is expected between noon and 7 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the most dangerous weather will occur between early afternoon and early evening, with the strongest storms likely east of I-55 moving toward Indiana. A less intense round may bring gusty winds and quarter-sized hail earlier in the day.
Residents in cities like Champaign, Decatur, and Mattoon should stay weather-aware, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel during storm hours. Conditions will calm overnight, but another system may bring more severe weather Tuesday night into Wednesday.
The Storm Prediction Center currently assigns a 30% risk of severe weather midweek, with more details expected as the system develops.
Five-Day Forecast for Champaign, IL:
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, some severe. High near 73°F. Gusts up to 36 mph.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy. High near 49°F.
- Tuesday: Increasing clouds. High near 54°F.
- Wednesday: Strong storms likely. Breezy. High near 73°F.
- Thursday: Slight chance of showers. Partly sunny. High near 64°F.
