FIRST ALERT: Severe Thunderstorms Likely Friday Evening

PEORIA (25News Now) - Mild weather is on tap for Thursday, with highs in the mid 60s under partly cloudy skies. Active weather is set to return tonight, with the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms while many folks are asleep. This initial round of stormy weather may produce locally heavy rain and small hail, however the threat for severe weather appears low tonight.

First Alert Weather Day issued for Friday, March 31. — First Alert Weather Day issued for Friday, March 31.(WEEK)

SEVERE WEATHER FRIDAY - The entire 25 News Viewing area is under an elevated risk for severe weather Friday. The rare Level 4 “Moderate” Risk for severe weather has been issued for those to the northwest of the Illinois River. The rest of the 25 News Viewing area is under the Level 3 Risk. Numerous to widespread instances of severe weather are expected Friday. Damaging winds will serve as the primary threat, with the potential for a few strong tornadoes on the table. Large hail and locally heavy rain will serve as secondary threats.

Rare Level 4 Risk for Severe Weather issued for communities to the northwest of the Illinois... — Rare Level 4 Risk for Severe Weather issued for communities to the northwest of the Illinois River.(WEEK)

Summary of Friday's severe weather threats. — Summary of Friday's severe weather threats.(WEEK)

STORM TIMING - An initial round of generally sub-severe rumblers will roll through central Illinois late tonight. Friday will then start dry, with temperatures projected to warm near 70°. The warmth will add to instability, which could result in the development of a few storms Friday afternoon. The most likely period of severe weather will be Friday evening, between 5 and 9 PM. The passage of a cold front will signal the development of storms in eastern Iowa and western Illinois Friday afternoon. Those storms grow into a fast moving squall line that will pass through central Illinois from dinnertime and beyond. The severe weather threat is expected to end by 10 PM Friday evening.

A line of storms is forecast to race across the 25 News Viewing area Friday evening. — A line of storms is forecast to race across the 25 News Viewing area Friday evening.(WEEK)

HIGH WINDS - Damaging wind gusts will serve as the primary threat as thunderstorms roll through the region, however intense wind gusts are expected to continue once the storms have ended. Colder air will funnel in Saturday by way of 45-50 mph northwesterly gusts. The continued period high winds may result in isolated power outages.

Now is a good time to prepare for incoming severe weather! Download the free 25 News First Alert Weather App to stay up to date with the latest information.

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