Springfield, Illinois – Wind gusts up to 45 mph are sweeping across central Illinois through 9 a.m. Friday, creating hazardous crosswinds on I-55 and I-72 and slowing the early morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Wind Advisory remains in effect for areas north of I-70 through mid-morning. West winds are gusting between 40 and 45 mph, strong enough to blow around unsecured objects and make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles on north-south roads.
High-profile vehicles face the greatest risk.
Drivers along I-55 from Springfield to Bloomington and along I-57 near Champaign may experience sudden lane drift in open areas. On I-74 through Peoria and Bloomington, gusts near 45 mph could make merging and passing more challenging, particularly for semitrailers and box trucks. Local utilities are monitoring for isolated power outages if tree limbs come down under repeated gusts.
The strongest winds are expected before and during the morning commute, with speeds gradually easing late this morning. Temperatures remain in the 30s and 40s, limiting winter precipitation concerns for now.
What residents should do now: Secure outdoor items, keep both hands on the wheel, and allow extra space when driving near large trucks or buses.
Winds will diminish late Friday morning, but cooler air settles in this weekend with additional system changes possible by Sunday. The Wind Advisory remains in effect through 9 a.m. Friday for much of central Illinois north of I-70.
