Severe Weather Alert Day: Destructive winds and tornadoes expected Friday night
Key Takeaways
Storms are expected from 7 pm to 1 am Friday night
Destructive wind gusts of 80 mph are the primary threat
Several tornadoes are possible, one or two could be strong
Storm movement will be rapid to the northeast, 60-70 mph
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Central Illinois within a Level 4 Risk (Moderate Risk) for severe storms and have the area highlighted for the potential for widespread severe weather. All forms of severe weather are possible, but the greatest concern areawide is damaging wind. There will be tremendous wind energy with this system and we expect to see widespread gusts over 70 mph with could pockets of gusts over 80 mph. Embedded within these storms, we could see tornadoes and pockets of large hail. We can't rule out a strong tornado (EF-2 or greater), especially over the southwest half of the area. This won't be the worst severe outbreak we've ever seen, but for some, the impacts could be similar to the July 15th, 2024 Derecho. Everyone should remain vigilant and prepared to act in the event severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings are issued. Be prepared for power outages.
Friday will be a warm and an increasingly windy day. Strong southeasterly winds gusting up to 40 mph will send temperatures well into the 70s. We'll remain dry throughout the day with storm chances increasing by early evening. Storms are expected to move through the area between 7 pm and midnight, mainly impacting areas along I-74 between 9 pm and 11 pm. Storms should have a tendency to weaken slightly as they move northeast. That said, storms may still be severe as they pass through La Salle and Livingston Counties, just a touch weaker.
Unlike our previous storm system this storm will not result in widespread heavy rain. There will certainly be heavy downpours, particularly in the strongest storms, but the storms will be moving fast enough to keep rainfall amounts on the low side and limiting the risk of flooding. For most areas, rainfall amounts will generally be a half inch or less with locally higher amounts possible along and south of I-74.
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