ILLINOIS — Illinois schools across parts of the state could face closures or delays Monday as a significant severe weather outbreak is expected to develop across the Midwest, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
The SPC’s latest Day 2 Convective Outlook places much of Illinois under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms on Monday, with forecasters warning that storms developing along a cold front could bring damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes and heavy rainfall.
The forecast discussion states that morning storms and a possible mesoscale convective system could track across parts of Illinois during the day Monday, especially across central and northern portions of the state. Forecasters warned the storms may produce “occasional wind damage and isolated large hail.”
The severe weather threat has raised concerns that some school districts could be forced to cancel classes, dismiss students early or delay openings Monday if storms lead to widespread power outages, flooded roads, downed trees or damage to school buildings and surrounding communities.
Chicago was specifically listed among the larger population centers included in the slight risk area, along with portions of Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Forecasters said rich Gulf moisture and unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to fuel numerous severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening. Some storms in nearby states could become supercells capable of producing very large hail and strong tornadoes.
School officials in Illinois will likely continue monitoring updated forecasts through Sunday night and Monday morning to determine whether weather conditions could impact transportation routes, building safety or electrical service.
