hicago, IL – A powerful storm system is expected to sweep across Illinois on Sunday, with the most severe impacts forecast for areas south of Interstate 80, including Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the risk for severe thunderstorms will increase Sunday afternoon and evening, with the greatest threat zone stretching from Peoria through central and southeastern Illinois. Damaging hail, high winds, and isolated tornadoes are all possible, particularly in the orange-shaded risk area highlighted by the Storm Prediction Center.
While northern Illinois, including Rockford and the Chicago metro area, may experience thunderstorms, forecasters say the most favorable conditions for severe weather remain farther south. Timing remains uncertain, but storms could begin to develop by late morning, intensifying into the afternoon and evening.
Residents across central and southern Illinois are urged to monitor local alerts and have a severe weather plan in place. Secure outdoor items, charge devices, and identify shelter locations now.
Breezy conditions will accompany the storms, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Storms are expected to taper off overnight into early Monday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures.
