ILLINOIS — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for portions of eastern and southeastern Illinois and will remain in effect until 11 p.m. EDT Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.
The watch includes 15 Illinois counties: Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Moultrie, Richland, Shelby and Vermilion.
Forecasters say conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and frequent lightning. Heavy rainfall may also lead to localized flooding in some areas.
Communities included in the watch area include Champaign-Urbana, Charleston, Mattoon, Effingham, Paris, Lawrenceville, Shelbyville and several surrounding areas.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware throughout the evening and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. Officials advise securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel during severe storms and seeking shelter immediately if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
Meteorologists will continue to monitor storm development across Illinois as the severe weather threat persists through Tuesday night.
