Chicago, IL – A powerful spring storm system is expected to sweep through Illinois beginning late Tuesday night, bringing a renewed threat of severe weather through Wednesday across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the system may trigger severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possibly tornadoes. The highest risk zones currently stretch from Springfield to Chicago, with central and eastern Illinois—including Peoria, Bloomington, Kankakee, and Champaign—under a Level 3 out of 5 threat on the Storm Prediction Center’s scale.
While the storm’s arrival is expected Tuesday night, forecasters emphasize that timing and exact impact zones may shift. The relative strength and favored time window for severe weather remain uncertain and will be refined in coming updates.
Residents are urged to monitor trusted weather sources frequently and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight Tuesday when storms may first develop. This system follows a pattern of early spring instability, and Illinois’ historical vulnerability to fast-developing severe storms makes preparation essential.
Prepare emergency kits, secure loose outdoor items, and stay alert to evolving alerts as the system approaches. For ongoing updates, visit weather.gov/chicago.
