It has been a soggy and dreary day across Central Illinois as storms produced heavy to moderate rainfall. However, the risk for severe weather remains over Central Illinois. The Storm Prediction Center places Southwest Central Illinois under an Enhanced Risk for severe weather which includes Springfield. Areas north and east are under a Slight Risk for severe weather. Everyone will experience all modes of severe weather including damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes.

However, areas southwest of Springfield are under a heighten risk for storms capable of producing strong tornadoes and winds gusts exceeding 70 mph. As of 3:30 PM, Greene County is the only county in the viewing area under a Tornado Watch until 10:00 PM. Two waves of thunderstorms will slide into the region this evening. The first wave should arrive into Springfield around 6:00 PM and stay below severe weather limits. Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning are possible with the first wave. The second wave poses the greatest threat for severe weather with all modes of severe weather possible including damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and a few tornadoes.

Here is a timeline for the severe weather threat across Central Illinois.

From the Illinois River to I-55, the line will arrive around 5:00 PM-8:00 PM.

From I-55 to I-57, the line will arrive around 8:00 PM-10:00 PM.

From I-57 to the Indiana border, the line will arrive around 11:00 to midnight.

Make sure to download our free weather app for more updates and use our interactive radar.