Severe weather risk downgraded for this afternoon

Illinois Public Media News is monitoring a threat of severe storms on Wednesday that is forecasted by the National Weather Service in Central Illinois and other meteorologists. Tornadoes, high winds, and large hail are possible in East Central Illinois. We will update this post with the latest forecast information.


Updated Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

Forecasters say the threat of severe weather originally forecasted for Central Illinois has greatly reduced. Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard tracks weather for the Champaign-Urbana area. He says today’s cool, heavy rain kept intense thunderstorms from forming. The National Weather Service says areas south of Interstate 70 could still see wind gusts around 75 miles per hour this afternoon.


Updated Wednesday at 12:40 p.m.

As of noon, the National Weather Service in Central Illinois says the risk of severe weather still exists but the intensity has been downgraded.


Updated Wednesday at 4:30 a.m.

CHAMPAIGN – The National Weather Service in Lincoln is still expecting a possible severe weather outbreak this afternoon in Central and Southern Illinois. Meteorologists are forecasting possible tornadoes and high winds (with gusts up to 75-miles-per-hour) east of I-55 starting around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday. However, Chambana meteorologist Andrew Pritchard says the severe weather risk remains quite uncertain across central Illinois as of Wednesday morning. He says it may have decreased over time with more in the way of rain/storms early in the day limiting the unstable atmospheric conditions that would lead to widespread severe weather over Champaign-Urbana. Pritchard does plan to track the storms on Wednesday afternoon for WILL-AM 580 and FM 90.9, especially if Severe Thunderstorm Warnings or Tornado Warnings are issued.

 


Updated Wednesday at 4:00 a.m.


Updated Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.


Updated Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.


Updated Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center placed Central Illinois, including Champaign-Urbana, Danville, and Decatur under an Enhanced Risk (3 out of 5) for severe weather on Wednesday afternoon-evening. The potential for tornadoes that are rated EF-2 or higher, with 115-157 mile per hour winds, is highest in an area that includes Champaign, Macon and Vermilion Counties and southward. Damaging winds up to 75 miles per hour also remain a major threat.

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