RARE “High” Risk for likely tornadoes issued for parts of central Illinois

PEORIA (25News Now) - WHAT’S NEW @11:30AM - The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded our severe weather threat again for areas northwest of the Illinois river to be in a the Level 5 High Risk. Ingredients and conditions are looking more suitable for long-tracked, potentially violent tornadoes. The rest of the area still remains in a Level 4 Moderate Risk this afternoon and evening.

TIMING - There still remains two potential periods for severe weather. The first threat is a bit of a “conditional” risk this afternoon. Our atmosphere will be strongly capped through midday, which should generally work to suppress storm development. That said, if any storms break through the cap, scattered strong to severe storms will be possible, with all hazard types in play. The window for this threat is from 1-5 PM.

WIDESPREAD Our next window for severe weather will be along a cold front that is set to move west to east between 5-8 PM. Severe thunderstorms are expected as a broken line of supercells races across central Illinois. These storms will carry the threat of tornadoes, some of which may be strong. The supercells will transition into a fast moving line of storms that will feature damaging wind gusts of 75+ mph. Large hail and localized flooding will serve as secondary concerns.

Now is the time to prepare for severe weather. Consider limiting any time outdoors this afternoon and evening. The free 25 News First Alert Weather App and a NOAA Weather Radio are great tools to keep you updated before and during severe weather. We’ll keep you updated on-air and online all day long. Check out additional livestreaming severe weather coverage at 3 PM, and as the severe weather arrives, on our website and on Facebook.

STRONG WINDS - A Wind Advisory will go into effect across the entire viewing area at 1 PM and will last all the way into early Saturday afternoon. Strong southwest winds (not associated with thunderstorms) will be sustained from 25-35 mph and will gust up to 45 mph later today. High winds will continue into Saturday morning, with northwest gusts up to 55 mph. This means that isolated power outages may continue well beyond the departure of severe thunderstorms.

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