06/17/2026
Stay aware and be prepared!
It's time to be ready for another outbreak of severe weather IL. Let's talk:
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Short discussion:
A powerful, rare June storm system will move into the region tomorrow bringing in a volatile set-up. This will create an intensely high sheared environment in a warm, moist, unstable region. This will set the stage for widespread severe weather including long-track, violent tornadoes; very big hail and destructive winds.
We expect two rounds. Round 1 will impact northern IL into the northern half of central IL. This will be mainly a heavy rain producer but some instances of large hail and strong winds are likely. Timing is 7AM-1PM and this will move west to east. This should exit by mid-afternoon. These storms will set the stage for where the warm front sets up shop in the state. If these storms are further south than expected like we saw last Thursday then the higher tornado risk could end up a little more south, vice versa.
Round 2 will be the main round and this will develop after 2PM in NW IL. These storms will fire up and drop southeast. As these storms fire up, they'll initially carry a strong tornado risk, big hail potential and damaging winds. As they move SE they'll grow upscale and develop into bowing line segments which will then traverse into destructive winds and embedded strong tornadoes. That warm front is expected to set up in central IL. These storms may interact with it and lead to a risk for intense tornadoes. This is a small corridor but where this lines up has yet to be seen. All eyes on that. Storms will trek south towards I-70, reaching you by 11PM. By this point this will be a wind risk with brief tornadoes. After midnight storms will weaken some as they drop south through southern IL.
Have multiple ways to receive warnings and check back for updates. Travel plans should be postponed and events should be cancelled.
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Science Breakdown:
A powerful spring-like storm system will move through the region bringing in a powerful 70-80kt mid-level flow and 50-55kt low-level jet. This will encounter a warm, moist, and very unstable environment setting the stage for potentially a tornado outbreak across central IL.
We have a few questions still like where will that warm front end up but right now we believe someone in IL will end up with significant severe weather.
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Preparation:
It is a good time to ensure you have a severe weather safety plan in place. Have a weather radio with fresh batteries, download an app on your phone to receive warnings, postpone events and travel plans. Have a survival kit ready, shoes in you shelter and flashlights ready.
If in a mobile home, ask a friend or relative to stay at their place should they have a sturdy safe place. If in a multi-story apartment, ask about safety plans and know where the designated tornado shelter is.
If driving a truck, adjust your drive time around storms to avoid being on highways during windstorms. Pull off at a safe place to ride out the storms. Avoid parking under bridges.
If storm chasing, prepare for traffic jams on country roads as hundreds of chasers are traveling to the state. If you're new to storm chasing, then stay home. This is not an event to risk your life on as storms will be racing at 55-65MPH and you can't outrun it.
We will post updates be this page is not the main source for warnings. Have a live stream going, check in on us while streaming other platforms.
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Weather Anxiety:
We understand your concern. We're concerned too, this is serious and sadly we've been through this before. Just know that we are here to keep you informed and prepared. By staying aware and being prepared, we will get through this. Have a plan in place and we'll be enjoying the nice weather moving in on Thursday.
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Follow our group for reports from members as the storms happen: Illinois Storm Community ________________________________________________________
