Rockford, Illinois – Fast-moving storms could spin up tornadoes before 8 p.m. Friday, putting parts of northern Illinois on alert during the evening commute and early nighttime hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, Tornado Watch 129 remains in effect until 8 p.m. CDT for seven counties across north central and northeast Illinois, including Boone, DeKalb, La Salle, Lee, Ogle, Winnebago, and McHenry counties. Conditions support rotating thunderstorms capable of producing brief tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and hail.
Communities from Rockford to DeKalb and south toward La Salle and Ottawa sit in the most active zone through early evening. Cities including Crystal Lake, McHenry, Dixon, Rochelle, and Streator could see storms intensify quickly with little lead time. Roads like I-90, I-39, and U.S. Route 51 may become hazardous during downpours, especially where visibility drops below a mile.
Residents are urged to keep phones charged, enable emergency alerts, and identify a safe shelter location such as a basement or interior room away from windows. Outdoor plans should be postponed, and drivers should avoid stopping under overpasses during warnings.
Storm coverage is expected to remain scattered but intense through sunset, with additional advisories possible if storms strengthen or track shifts occur later Friday night.
