Stormy weather forecast through middle of next week

Friday weather threats include large hail, heavy rain, severe storms with possibility of tornadoes

[April 22, 2011]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln released a hazardous weather outlook at 6 a.m. Friday for portions of central and east-central Illinois.

This outlook statement is for the counties of Cass, Champaign, Christian, DeWitt, Fulton, Knox, Logan, Macon, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Peoria, Piatt, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Vermilion and Woodford.

Friday and Friday night

Two periods of severe storms will be possible Friday. The first will be around midday as storms move rapidly across northern Missouri through Illinois. Large hail will be the main threat. Later on, another batch of thunderstorms is expected to develop and move through central Illinois. Large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes will be possible from late afternoon through the evening hours.

Saturday through Thursday

The stormy weather will continue through at least next Tuesday as a stationary front slowly moves back and forth through the state.

River flooding will remain likely, and a period or two of severe storms will also be possible.

Keep tuned to later forecasts as the severe weather situation becomes better defined for early next week.

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Online:

NWS outlook statement

Pictorial forecast

[Text from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]