Thunder and lightning risk shuts down second Rockford City Market of 2024

Tonight's Rockford City Market has been canceled due anticipated severe weather.

"While the market is rain or shine, we will always prioritize the safety of our vendors, staff and patrons when it comes to severe thunder and lightning," said Becca Bartels, executive director of the Rock River Development Partnership, the local nonprofit that runs the market,

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for most of northern Illinois.

"Scattered thunderstorms, some of which may be severe, are likely mid afternoon through the early evening," the weather service reports. "Damaging wind gusts are the primary severe threat, but isolated large hail is also possible along with a few tornadoes. The tornado threat is highest from the Chicago metro area westward."

The weekly Friday evening market kicked off its 2024 season on May 17 and will resume May 31.

Chris Green is a Rockford Register Star general assignment reporter. He can be reached at 815-987-1241; via email at cgreen@rrstar.com, and X @chrisfgreen.