Champaign, Ill. – Champaign and surrounding parts of central Illinois could face damaging winds and isolated hail early Wednesday afternoon as strong thunderstorms push east from the Illinois River Valley.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, storms are developing rapidly west of the region and may bring wind gusts up to 60 mph, along with isolated hail near quarter size. The primary area of concern stretches from Macomb to Princeton, but storms are expected to drift southeast toward Champaign County through 1:30 p.m.
While the tornado threat remains low, fast-moving cells could down tree limbs and power lines, especially along I-74 and US-136. Commuters and residents in areas including Galesburg, Kewanee, and Peoria should stay alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Officials recommend moving to sturdy shelter before the storms arrive and securing loose outdoor items. Power outages and brief street flooding are possible, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
This system could impact early afternoon travel and outdoor activities across much of central Illinois. Additional watches or warnings may be issued if the line strengthens or expands eastward later today.
