Tornado Watch Issued for Central and Northern Illinois and Northeast Missouri

A tornado watch has been issued for over two million residents in central and northern Illinois, as well as northeast Missouri, until 3:00 PM CST today. Key cities affected include Peoria, Springfield, Lincoln, and Champaign, while Chicago remains outside the watch area. Severe thunderstorms moving from Iowa are expected to bring hurricane-force winds between 75 and 94 mph, increasing the risk of tornadoes throughout the morning. There is also a possibility of tennis ball-sized hail. This weather event marks the first of two significant storm waves forecasted for the Midwest today, with an even higher tornado risk anticipated later in the afternoon.

Key Details: • Tornado watch in effect until 3:00 PM CST today. • Affected cities include Peoria, Springfield, Lincoln, and Champaign. • Severe thunderstorms may produce wind gusts of 75-94 mph. • Potential for tornadoes of EF3 category or higher. • Second wave of severe storms expected later this afternoon.