Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Ford and Iroquois Counties in East Central Illinois

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of east central Illinois. This alert is based on radar-indicated threats and is effective through the early evening hours.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Ford County in east central Illinois
• Western Iroquois County in east central Illinois

Specific locations impacted include Paxton, Gibson City, Gilman, Onarga, Cissna Park, Buckley, Crescent City, Danforth, Melvin, Loda, Roberts, Elliott, Sibley, Thawville, Clarence, and Claytonville.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warned area should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for protection. You are advised to remain alert for possible tornado development, as tornadoes can form quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, move immediately to a basement or a small central room in a sturdy structure.

Expected Conditions

• Wind: Gusts up to 60 mph are expected. These winds may cause damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
• Hail: Radar indicates the potential for hail up to .75 inches.
• Storm Movement: At 6:58 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Saybrook to Ivesdale, moving northeast at 45 mph.
• Additional Threats: Tornadoes are considered possible within this storm system.

Timeline

The Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued at 6:58 PM CDT on March 15 and is currently scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM CDT on March 15.