Chicago, IL – A broad Tornado Watch remains in effect across Illinois, Indiana, and western Kentucky Sunday night as strong thunderstorms continue pushing east through the Ohio Valley, raising concerns for dangerous weather conditions through 9 p.m. EST.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch No. 643 was issued Sunday afternoon and covers dozens of counties across the tri-state region. Meteorologists say the atmosphere is supportive of isolated tornadoes, damaging straight-line winds, and pockets of hail, particularly during the late afternoon and evening hours.
In Illinois, the watch includes a wide swath of central and southern counties, stretching from Champaign, McLean, and Macon counties southward to Jackson, Williamson, Franklin, and Massac counties, impacting communities near St. Louis Metro East, Decatur, Champaign-Urbana, and Carbondale.
Across Indiana, large portions of the state are included, from Indianapolis and Hamilton County south and west through Tippecanoe, Vigo, Monroe, Knox, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties, affecting the Indianapolis, Lafayette, Terre Haute, Bloomington, and Evansville metro areas.
In western Kentucky, the tornado watch covers counties along the Ohio River, including McCracken, Daviess, Henderson, Hopkins, Livingston, and Ballard counties, placing the Paducah region at risk as storms move through.
Forecasters warn storms may intensify quickly, especially along fast-moving lines capable of producing sudden tornado spin-ups and powerful wind gusts that could down trees and power lines. Residents are urged to monitor weather.gov alerts, keep phones charged, and have multiple ways to receive warnings after dark.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development. If a tornado warning is issued, residents should seek shelter immediately in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows.
