ILLINOIS — A tornado watch has been issued for 35 counties across southern and eastern Illinois and remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT Sunday as severe weather develops across the region.
The tornado watch includes the counties of Bond, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Moultrie, Perry, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Shelby, St. Clair, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson.
According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, severe thunderstorms that develop within the watch area may produce wind gusts of up to 70 mph, a few tornadoes and isolated hail up to the size of ping pong balls.
A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop. Residents are urged to remain weather aware, monitor forecasts and warnings, and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued for their location.
The tornado watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT Sunday, though additional watches or warnings could be issued if severe weather continues to develop.
