Bloomington, Illinois – A second and potentially stronger round of thunderstorms is expected to hammer central and southern Illinois Saturday afternoon, bringing flash flooding and gusty winds through 9 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, round two of storms will develop after 1 p.m. and focus south of I-80, including cities like Bloomington, Kankakee, Peoria, and Champaign. These storms may dump torrential rain in a short span, flooding roads and low-lying areas while also packing damaging wind gusts capable of taking down tree limbs.
Travel on I-55, I-57, and local highways could be impacted. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads and stay weather-aware as conditions can change quickly.
Power outages are possible in isolated pockets. If you haven’t already, charge devices and secure outdoor items. With soil already saturated in some areas, flash flooding may occur faster than usual.
Storm activity is expected to move northeast by late evening, but lingering showers and heat will remain a threat into Sunday.
