Severe weather threat this afternoon and evening

Tornado watch until 10 p.m.

[April 30, 2010]  A cold front is approaching Illinois from the west today. Showers and thunderstorms west of the Mississippi Valley will intensify this afternoon and push their way eastward across Illinois late this afternoon through the evening.

Much of central Illinois has a risk of severe weather from the storms. Areas west of a line from Bloomington to Vandalia have the most pronounced risk, where large hail, strong winds and some tornadoes are all possible. Near the Indiana border, the main risk will be with damaging winds. The severe weather threat should diminish as the evening progresses.

With the slow movement of the front, a severe weather threat and potentially heavy rains will continue Saturday afternoon and night, in areas mainly along and southeast of Interstate 70.

Links of interest:

• Latest hazardous weather outlook

• Central Illinois watches and warnings page

• Storm Prediction Center page

[Text from file received]