Severe weather with large hail, damaging wind gusts, heavy rains and tornadoes possible today and tonight

[April 19, 2011]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln released a hazardous weather outlook at 5:26 a.m. Tuesday for portions of central Illinois.

This outlook is for the counties of Cass, DeWitt, Fulton, Knox, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Peoria, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford:

Tuesday and Tuesday night

Scattered thunderstorms will occur today and early this evening. There is a slight chance of severe thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms could produce hail this morning, especially southwest of Interstate 74, where large hail is possible. Thunderstorms this afternoon and into early this evening could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes, especially east of the Illinois River. Heavy rains and localized flash flooding will also be possible today.

Wednesday through Monday

Another storm system will bring a chance for thunderstorms Thursday night through Friday night. Yet another chance of thunderstorms will occur from Saturday night through Monday.

Spotter information statement

Spotter activation may be needed today until about 8 p.m.

There will be a conference call at 10 a.m. for emergency managers.

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Online:

Outlook statement

For more information and updates: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/

[Text from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]