Friday Night Storms Could Bring Tornadoes, Destructive Winds to Northern Illinois

Before you get too excited about the 60 and 70 degree days forecasted for Illinois this week, just remember that unseasonably warm days usually come with a downside.

Spring-Like Weather in Illinois

I don't know about you, but I have been taking full advantage of the nice weather we've been experiencing in Illinois this week!

I've taken my dogs for walks and my kids are back to playing outside. I've scooped up the dog poo minefield in our backyard, (and didn't hate my life while doing it because the sun was actually shining!), and I even took down all my snowman/ 'let it snow' decor.

I don't mean to be a party pooper here, but now that the threat of snow and ice is in Illinois' rearview mirror, (fingers crossed!), we get to look forward to the severe weather threats that warmer months bring, and this Friday looks like a big problem.

Severe Weather Threat for Northern Illinois

This past weekend I started noticing weather experts from all over Illinois posting warnings about the threat of severe weather coming later in the week, and unfortunately, it appears the warnings are getting too close for comfort.

Thunderstorms look to be a sure bet for Northern Illinois on Friday night, but that's not the worst part; hurricane-force winds, hail, and tornadoes are!

On Wednesday morning WIFR Chief Meteorologist Mark Henderson posted an update that said in part;

 For many, many days, computer models have been in uncommonly good agreement in developing a very strong storm in the Plains, then moving into the Upper Midwest. How strong? Perhaps the strongest we've ever seen this early in the year. Easily in the top 5. Comparable, and potentially stronger than the storm that sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Umm, what?!? That DOES not sound good.

Essentially, the areas marked with black hashmarks in the picture below are the areas most at risk for "significant" severe weather, meaning large hail, winds of 75+ mph, and strong tornadoes.

At this point, most local meteorologists agree that high winds will be the biggest concern for Northern Illinois, so you better make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries and that you keep a close eye on the forecast for the next few days!