Key Highlights
- Nearly 130,000 people were advised to seek shelter indoors due to a severe thunderstorm in Illinois.
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued two warnings for different regions within the state on Tuesday afternoon.
- Meteorologists warned of quarter-sized hail and quarter-dollar-sized hail that could cause significant damage.
- The storm was moving at 45 mph, covering rural areas in northern Crawford, northeastern Jasper, Clark, and southeastern Cumberland counties.
Illinois Braces for Severe Weather: Over 130,000 Advised to Seek Shelter
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued urgent weather warnings for Illinois on Tuesday afternoon as a severe thunderstorm moved through the state. The warning affected more than 130,000 residents in various counties, including northern Moultrie County, southern Piatt County, southwestern Champaign County, northwestern Douglas County, and southeastern Macon County.
According to NWS meteorologist Ben Deubelbeiss, Illinois experiences a secondary severe weather season during the fall. This year, the storm emerged one minute after meteorologists detected it moving across parts of the state within the NWS Lincoln forecast area, emphasizing the urgency of the warning.
First Warning Issued: Near Decatur
The first severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 1:20 p.m. Central time and covered northern Moultrie County, southern Piatt County, southwestern Champaign County, northwestern Douglas County, and southeastern Macon County. This warning was in place until 2 p.m.
Central time.
At the time of issuance, a severe thunderstorm was located over Decatur, moving east at 45 miles per hour. Meteorologists warned of quarter-sized hail capable of causing damage to vehicles. The NWS Lincoln provided instructions: “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
Second Warning Issued: Near Hidalgo
The second warning, issued at 1:23 p.m. Central time, covered northwestern Crawford County, northeastern Jasper County, Clark County, and southeastern Cumberland County. This warning was also set to expire by 2 p.m.
Central time.
A severe thunderstorm near Hidalgo or Greenup was moving east at the same speed of 45 mph. Meteorologists warned that hail could reach up to a quarter-dollar size in this region, which is considered severe and capable of causing damage to property and injuries to people and animals. The warning specifically highlighted areas including Hazel Dell, Lincoln Trail State Park, Darwin, Rose Hill, West Union, and Yale.
The NWS provided additional details: “This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 117 and 129, and between mile markers 147 and 154.”
Implications for Illinois Residents
Illinois residents were urged to remain storm aware and follow the advice of local weather officials. Similar alerts could be issued as the storms progressed through the region. The NWS also noted that isolated thunderstorms were possible south of Interstate 74, although severe weather was not anticipated.
The urgency of this warning underscores the importance of staying informed during secondary severe weather seasons in Illinois. Meteorologists emphasized the potential for hail and strong winds, highlighting the need for residents to take immediate action to ensure their safety.
