Springfield, IL – A tornado watch is in effect for central Illinois and western Indiana until 3 a.m. Saturday as severe weather moves through the region. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued the alert Friday evening, warning of potential tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail.
According to the NWS, the tornado watch includes 43 counties in Illinois and 16 in Indiana. Affected areas in Illinois include Champaign, McLean, Sangamon, Peoria, and Vermilion counties. In Indiana, counties such as Tippecanoe, Vigo, and Montgomery are under the watch.
Meteorologists advise residents to stay weather-aware as conditions remain favorable for tornado development. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible large hail could accompany the storms. Officials recommend having multiple ways to receive alerts, such as weather radios and mobile notifications, and to take shelter immediately if warnings are issued.
The threat is expected to diminish after 3 a.m. as the storm system moves eastward. However, forecasters urge caution and preparedness throughout the night.
For real-time updates, residents should monitor the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room away from windows.
