Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties in Central Illinois

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of central Illinois. The alert was issued at 4:56 PM CDT and remains in effect until 5:30 PM CDT on March 15, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions in central Illinois:

• Menard County
• Southwestern Logan County
• Northwestern Sangamon County

Specific locations in the path of the storm include Athens (around 5:00 PM CDT) and Williamsville (around 5:10 PM CDT). The warning area also includes Interstate 55 between mile markers 103 and 112.

What You Should Do

For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Residents should remain alert for a possible tornado, as tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, go at once to the basement or a small central room in a sturdy structure. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the broader central Illinois area until 10:00 PM CDT.

Expected Conditions

At 4:55 PM CDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm near Pleasant Plains, or 7 miles southwest of Athens, moving northeast at 50 mph. Expected hazards include:

• Wind Speed: Gusts up to 60 mph.
• Hail Size: Nickel size (0.88 inches).
• Potential Impact: Damage to roofs, siding, and trees is expected.

Timeline

• Effective Time: 4:56 PM CDT, March 15
• Expiration Time: 5:30 PM CDT, March 15
• Storm Movement: Moving northeast at 50 mph.