Peoria, Illinois – Residents along the Iowa-Illinois border face an escalating tornado threat late Friday as severe storms move east from Iowa into central Illinois, prompting urgent weather alerts for communities north of a Rushville-to-Peoria line.
According to the National Weather Service Central Illinois, the midday severe weather outlook has been upgraded to an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, especially in counties west of the Illinois River. The greatest risk stretches from Quincy, Macomb, and Galesburg east to Peoria and Princeton, with scattered storms likely to intensify and merge into a dangerous line by evening.
The main hazards tonight include wind gusts topping 60 mph, isolated hail up to 1 inch in diameter, and a 5–10% chance of tornadoes developing west of the Illinois River. Travel on highways like I-74, US-67, and US-136 could become hazardous, with downed trees and power lines possible in the strongest storms.
Emergency managers urge everyone in the affected areas to have multiple ways to receive warnings, charge phones, and review tornado safety plans before storms arrive. Rural and river communities north of Peoria and along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers should stay especially alert.
Threats are expected to peak between 6 p.m. and midnight, with additional watches and warnings possible if storms hold together into the early morning hours. Updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
