ILLINOIS — Illinois could see a significant severe weather event on Wednesday as forecasters warn that conditions are favorable for an outbreak of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong tornadoes, destructive winds and very large hail.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of central Illinois under a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) for severe weather, with surrounding areas included in lower risk categories.
According to forecasters, a powerful weather system moving across the Midwest will combine with warm, humid air to create an environment capable of supporting dangerous thunderstorms. The primary threats include strong to intense tornadoes, wind gusts up to 80 mph, and hail as large as 2.5 inches in diameter.
Thunderstorms may already be ongoing across parts of Illinois Wednesday morning as a line of storms moves east from Iowa. Some of these storms could bring damaging winds, though forecasters say the intensity and evolution of the morning activity remain uncertain.
The greatest concern is expected during the afternoon and evening hours, particularly across central Illinois. As the atmosphere recovers behind any morning storms, conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable for the development of discrete supercell thunderstorms. These storms could rapidly become severe and produce all modes of hazardous weather, including strong tornadoes, very large hail and widespread damaging winds.
Meteorologists say the highest threat area is near and east of a warm front expected to lift across central and northern Illinois, where strong wind shear and increasing moisture will create a particularly dangerous setup.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware throughout the day, monitor forecasts closely and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Forecasters stress that some storms could become severe quickly and produce life-threatening conditions.
The severe weather threat is expected to shift eastward Wednesday night as the storm system moves toward Indiana and the Ohio Valley.
