ILLINOIS — Forecasters with the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center have issued a moderate risk for severe weather across parts of Illinois on Monday, with the potential for multiple strong tornadoes.
The outlook highlights portions of the mid-Mississippi Valley, including areas of Illinois, as a focal point for dangerous storms developing through the afternoon and evening hours.
According to forecasters, conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing “multiple strong to intense tornadoes,” along with widespread damaging winds and large hail.
Storms are expected to develop during the afternoon, with discrete supercells forming ahead of an approaching cold front. These storms could quickly intensify in an environment with strong wind shear and instability — key ingredients for tornado development.
The greatest tornado threat is expected to center on parts of Missouri into Illinois, particularly along and near a frontal boundary where atmospheric conditions will be most supportive of rotating storms.
In addition to tornadoes, hail up to 2 to 3 inches in diameter and damaging wind gusts are possible.
Forecasters say the threat could continue into the evening hours as storms organize into clusters, with the potential for embedded tornadoes persisting overnight.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay weather-aware, monitor forecasts, and have multiple ways to receive warnings as conditions evolve.
