Kankakee, Illinois — A Tornado Watch has been issued for a large portion of central and northern Illinois Tuesday afternoon and evening as conditions become favorable for dangerous severe thunderstorms.
The watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT and includes dozens of counties across central Illinois, including Peoria, Bloomington, Kankakee, La Salle, and Galesburg.
Meteorologists say the atmosphere across the region is becoming increasingly supportive of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe storms to develop, though it does not mean a tornado has been spotted. Residents should stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the evening.
Storms are expected to develop and intensify during the late afternoon and evening hours, potentially forming rotating supercells capable of producing severe weather.
Communities along major travel routes including Interstate 55, Interstate 57, Interstate 74, and Interstate 80 could see storms move through during the evening commute and into the nighttime hours.
Large hail and damaging wind gusts are also possible with the strongest storms, and isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
The tornado watch covers multiple counties across the region including Bureau, Ford, Fulton, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Kankakee, Knox, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, and Woodford.
Officials urge residents to monitor local forecasts and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including mobile alerts and weather radios.
If a tornado warning is issued, people should seek shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
