Chicago, Illinois – Damaging winds and hail could impact parts of Illinois late Tuesday into Wednesday, as multiple rounds of thunderstorms move across the state. The highest risk for severe weather appears to target central and eastern Illinois by Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, confidence is increasing in a round of strong storms developing late Tuesday evening, with another round possible on Wednesday. A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat is in place for cities including Bloomington, Champaign, and Kankakee on Wednesday, with damaging wind and hail identified as the main threats. A Level 1 risk remains for areas farther north, including Rockford and the Quad Cities.
The timing and exact strength of Tuesday night’s storms remain uncertain, but areas like Peoria, Ottawa, and Springfield could see evening storms followed by more widespread activity Wednesday. Storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, which may lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, monitor updates from trusted sources, and be prepared for possible severe weather impacts. Power outages and travel delays are possible during peak storm hours.
⚠️ Severe weather threats may continue through Wednesday evening — stay weather-aware.
