Champaign, IL – A tornado watch has been issued for central and eastern Illinois this evening, with forecasters warning of potentially severe storms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 99 is in effect until 10 p.m. CDT today, Wednesday, and includes 28 Illinois counties. Among them are Champaign, Christian, Coles, Effingham, Iroquois, Kankakee, Macon, McLean, Sangamon, and Will counties.
The watch, issued at 3:15 p.m. CDT, covers a broad portion of central Illinois, where atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornadic thunderstorms. Residents in the affected areas are urged to remain alert and have multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA weather radios and mobile alerts.
This alert follows a day of unseasonably warm and humid conditions, which meteorologists say have created a volatile environment for storm development. Forecasters advise that storms may begin to intensify during the early evening hours and could continue into the night, particularly in areas east of Interstate 55.
Emergency management agencies across Illinois are closely monitoring the situation and are urging residents to review their severe weather plans, know the location of their nearest shelter, and act quickly should warnings be issued.
The tornado watch does not mean a tornado is currently happening but indicates that conditions are right for one to form. Updates will be provided as weather developments occur throughout the evening.
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