Peoria, Illinois – Drivers and residents across north-central Illinois and into northwest Indiana should prepare for a volatile evening, as powerful thunderstorms threaten the region with damaging winds and torrential rain during the peak commute hours between 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a stalled boundary near and north of I-72 will ignite two rounds of storms late this afternoon and early evening. The primary threat zone stretches from Peoria and Bloomington eastward into Kankakee, Joliet, and northwest Indiana cities like Hammond and Merrillville. Winds could reach 60 mph, with localized rainfall rates topping 1 inch per hour, raising the risk of flash flooding along highways and urban streets.
Travelers along I-55, I-74, and U.S. 24 should monitor road conditions and be ready for sudden visibility drops and ponding water. School and community events may face delays or cancellations, especially in McLean, Livingston, and Will counties. Utility crews are on alert for possible power outages due to falling tree limbs and downed lines.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, charge phones and backup batteries, and avoid unnecessary travel during the most dangerous storm window. If you encounter flooded roads, turn around—don’t risk driving through.
Severe weather warnings remain in effect until midnight, with a second wave of storms possible later tonight. Stay tuned to local alerts for rapid updates and potential new advisories.
