Chicago, IL – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Northern Illinois, effective from Sunday afternoon through early Monday morning. This alert warns of the potential for scattered damaging wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph, isolated large hail up to 2 inches in diameter, and the possibility of a tornado.
According to the NWS, thunderstorms are expected to intensify throughout the evening, with initially more isolated hail-producing storms potentially evolving into a bowing cluster. This could pose a significant threat for severe wind damage. Residents in the watch area, which spans approximately 60 miles north and south of a line from 45 miles south-southwest of Mason City, Iowa, to 55 miles south of Racine, Wisconsin, are advised to stay vigilant and monitor weather updates.
Precautionary measures include staying indoors and away from windows, securing outdoor objects, and having a plan to seek shelter in the event of a tornado warning. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch underscores the importance of being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions
