Springfield, Illinois – Drivers across central Illinois face sudden downpours and wind gusts strong enough to knock debris onto roadways before 11 p.m. Thursday, as a widespread severe thunderstorm watch remains active across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 76 covers 24 counties through 11 p.m., including Sangamon, Peoria, McLean, Champaign, and Macon counties. Storms may produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail large enough to damage vehicles and rooftops, with the strongest cells expected to develop and move quickly through the evening hours.
Springfield, Decatur, and Bloomington could see rapidly changing conditions along I-55 and I-72, where heavy rain may reduce visibility below a half mile at times. In eastern Illinois, Champaign, Urbana, and Danville are at risk for isolated power outages as wind gusts snap tree limbs and impact power lines. West of the Illinois River, Peoria, Canton, and Galesburg may experience brief but intense storms capable of producing small hail accumulations.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, keep phones charged, and avoid non-essential travel during active storms. Emergency managers warn that conditions can shift within minutes as cells strengthen.
The watch remains in effect until 11 p.m., with additional warnings possible if storms intensify or new cells develop overnight.
