Springfield, Illinois – Nearly 8 million people across central Illinois are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight, with storms capable of producing tornadoes, destructive winds, and very large hail through 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76 includes cities such as Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington, and Kankakee. The watch highlights the potential for wind gusts up to 80 mph, hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and a couple of tornadoes as storms intensify.
The highest risk is unfolding this evening along major corridors including I-55, I-57, and I-74, where storms are expected to organize and move east quickly. Communities across Sangamon, McLean, and Champaign counties could see rapid changes, including sudden downpours, falling visibility, and damaging wind gusts.
Drivers should be prepared for hazardous travel, especially during the evening commute. Power outages are possible where stronger storms develop.
Residents are urged to stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Be ready to take shelter immediately if a warning is issued.
The severe threat will continue through 11 p.m., with storms pushing east into Indiana overnight and additional warnings likely.
