Tornado Watch Issued for Central Illinois Through 3PM Including Springfield Peoria Bloomington and Decatur With 80 MPH Winds and Strong Tornadoes Possible

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — A Tornado Watch has been issued for central Illinois through 3PM CDT Wednesday June 17, with storms capable of producing destructive wind gusts of 65 to 80-plus mph, large hail, and tornadoes including a few strong in nature across the watch zone covering Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur, and Urbana.

Tornado Watch Covers Central Illinois Through 3PM CDT

The BAM Weather current radar valid 8:01 AM CDT June 17 shows the Tornado Watch polygon outlined in red covering central Illinois from just south of Chicago and Aurora southward through Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield, Decatur, Urbana, and toward Alton and Carbondale. The watch expires at 3PM CDT, covering the primary afternoon severe weather window for the region.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in effect to the northwest across Iowa and western Illinois covering Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Burlington, and Dubuque, expiring at 11AM CT as that storm complex continues pushing east.

Destructive Wind Gusts Up to 80 MPH and Strong Tornadoes Both Possible

Storms within the Tornado Watch area are capable of producing destructive wind gusts between 65 and 80-plus mph alongside large hail and tornadoes. Forecasters are noting a few strong tornadoes are possible within the watch zone as the afternoon heating window opens across central Illinois and storms intensify through the morning hours.

The intense radar returns in orange and red visible across Iowa and the Quad Cities corridor are tracking toward the watch area, indicating the initial round of severe weather is already organized and approaching.

Springfield Peoria Bloomington and Decatur Residents Must Take Cover Now

Anyone in Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Decatur, and Urbana is under an active Tornado Watch and should have tornado shelter plans ready to execute immediately upon any warning being issued. The watch covers the heart of the area identified as the most likely tornado location in the country for Wednesday.

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