Champaign, IL – A Wind Advisory remains active across central and southeastern Illinois this evening, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially hazardous gusts affecting travel and power conditions through midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, winds from the southwest are expected to range from 15 to 25 mph, with isolated gusts reaching up to 45 mph. The advisory, issued at 6:40 p.m., affects multiple counties including Champaign, McLean, Macon, Vermilion, and Effingham, covering key cities such as Bloomington, Decatur, Urbana, and Lawrenceville.
Officials caution that the gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and unsecured outdoor items, and may lead to isolated power outages. High-profile vehicles may be particularly affected, especially along east-west highways such as I-72 and I-74.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor furniture, decorations, or garbage bins, and to exercise added caution when driving in open areas or near large vehicles.
This advisory will remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. CDT Thursday.
Wind conditions are expected to ease gradually overnight. Local utility companies have not reported any widespread outages as of Wednesday evening, but crews remain on standby.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor the situation and advises residents to stay updated through local media and official weather channels.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
