PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The active weather pattern we’ve experienced throughout the month of March looks to continue into early April as another strong storm system is set to move through the Midwest on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple rounds of storms possible between 6 am and 6 pm
- Better chances for severe storms in the afternoon are along and east of the Illinois River
- All severe hazards are possible, some significant
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Illinois within a Level 3 Risk (Enhanced Risk) for severe weather. All hazards including very large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will be possible. SPC has mentioned that depending on how the evolution of the morning storms play out, an upgrade to a Level 4 Risk (Moderate Risk) may be needed.
Remember, risk does not guarantee outcome. Not everyone will experience severe weather on Wednesday, nor are we calling for that. However, the ceiling for this event is quite high, so those that do see severe storms could experience some significant impacts.
There is still a considerable uncertainty as to the overall impact from morning thunderstorms, which are expected to reach western portions of our area between 6 am and 9 am. The strength of these morning storms is unclear but if they are able to maintain their strength, they will be capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes and would likely limit the potential for additional severe storms in the afternoon. If these storms move through in a weaker state, a second round of severe weather would be possible along and east of the Illinois River Valley in the afternoon…