Springfield, Ill. — Families across southeast Illinois are being urged to keep one eye on the sky tonight, as forecasters caution that a fast-moving line of storms could bring more than just rain — putting homes, vehicles and even lives at risk before sunrise.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until midnight for a wide stretch of southeast Illinois, including communities near Effingham, Centralia and Harrisburg. Meteorologists say the atmosphere over the region has lined up in a way that could allow storms to intensify rapidly once they form, catching residents off guard if they aren’t paying attention.
Officials are warning that the strongest cells rolling through could unleash wind gusts as high as 70 mph, strong enough to snap tree limbs, damage roofing and topple unsecured outdoor structures. Hail up to 2 inches in diameter is also possible, a size capable of shattering windshields and denting vehicles left in the open. Forecasters have not ruled out a couple of tornadoes spinning up if the storms grow more organized as the evening progresses.
Adding to the danger, some areas could see up to 2 inches of rain fall in a short window, raising the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods, areas with poor drainage and along smaller creeks and streams.
The threat zone is home to an estimated 1.5 million people, along with hundreds of schools and dozens of hospitals, meaning any warning issued overnight could affect a massive swath of the population with little advance notice.
Emergency officials are asking residents to keep weather alerts turned on through the night and to have a plan ready to move to safe shelter immediately if a warning is issued for their area. Staying away from windows, avoiding travel once storms intensify, and never attempting to drive through flooded roads are being stressed as critical safety steps.
More alerts are expected to be issued as the storm system develops and pushes across the region through the overnight hours.