Springfield, IL – A tornado watch remains in effect for large portions of Illinois and Indiana until early Saturday morning as severe storms threaten the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Tornado Watch 37, covering 29 counties in Illinois and 15 in Indiana, with the alert set to expire at 3 a.m. CDT in Illinois and 4 a.m. EDT in Indiana.
According to the NWS, affected areas in Illinois include central counties such as Sangamon, McLean, and Peoria, as well as east-central and southeastern counties, including Champaign, Vermilion, and Effingham. Major cities like Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur are under the watch. In Indiana, counties such as Tippecanoe, Vigo, and Sullivan are at risk, including cities like Terre Haute, Lafayette, and Vincennes.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant as strong storms may produce damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for tornadoes. The NWS advises seeking shelter immediately if a warning is issued. Nighttime tornadoes pose an increased danger due to reduced visibility and the higher likelihood of people being asleep.
Travelers should check local forecasts and prepare for sudden weather changes. Emergency management officials recommend having a plan in place and monitoring NOAA Weather Radio or local media for updates. The tornado watch will remain in effect until early morning, with additional updates expected from weather authorities.
