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Illinois Braces for EF3 Tornado Threat
11 Mar
Summary
- Tornado watch issued for several Illinois counties until 11 p.m.
- Enhanced risk for severe weather including strong tornadoes is present.
- EF3 tornado strength possible, with damaging winds and flash flooding.
Several Illinois counties are currently under a tornado watch, issued by the National Weather Service and effective until 11 p.m. tonight, March 10. Central Illinois is experiencing an enhanced risk for severe weather, with areas north of the I-72 corridor facing a level 3 out of 5 risk. Two rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms are anticipated today and tonight.
The first round of storms, expected between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., carries a risk of strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. The Storm Prediction Center has updated the forecast to indicate a maximum tornado intensity of EF3 strength. Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern for later storms, though isolated tornadoes remain possible. Pockets of flash flooding are also anticipated due to heavy rainfall rates overwhelming urban drainage systems.
