Lincoln, IL – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Illinois and Indiana, valid until 7:00 PM CDT. This watch covers a significant portion of the Midwest, including cities like Quincy, Springfield, Champaign, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, and Columbus. The National Weather Service has highlighted several key threats associated with this storm system.
Residents should be prepared for scattered hail, with potential hailstones reaching up to two inches in diameter. Additionally, there is a high likelihood of scattered wind gusts reaching up to 75 mph, which can cause significant damage to structures and pose a risk to outdoor activities. Frequent lightning is also a concern, increasing the risk of power outages and fires.
The area under watch encompasses a population of approximately 3,438,866 people, 1,238 schools, and 90 hospitals. Authorities urge everyone in the affected regions to stay informed about weather updates, secure outdoor objects, and have a plan in place in case of severe weather.
