Kankakee, Illinois – A tornado watch is now in effect for parts of northern and central Illinois, including Kankakee, La Salle, and Livingston counties, until 4 a.m. CDT Monday as severe storms continue to track across the region.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 157 was issued just before 9 p.m. Sunday and covers Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, La Salle, Lee, and Livingston counties. The primary threats include damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes overnight.
Residents in these areas should remain weather-aware through the night, with smartphones charged and NOAA weather radios active. Travel is discouraged, especially on rural highways like IL-17 and U.S. Route 52, where visibility may rapidly deteriorate.
Emergency management agencies in counties like Iroquois and Grundy have activated storm spotter networks. This watch comes during a particularly active storm system sweeping the Midwest, echoing similar overnight events seen in late April 2023.
Conditions remain unstable across the region, and additional warnings may follow. The tornado watch remains active through 4 a.m., and residents should be prepared to take shelter if sirens sound or alerts are issued.
