Storm Prediction Center Issues Illinois Tornado Watch Until 3 p.m. as 80 mph Jet Fuels Outbreak
Updated
Updated · Fox Weather · Jun 17
Storm Prediction Center Issues Illinois Tornado Watch Until 3 p.m. as 80 mph Jet Fuels Outbreak
3 articles · Updated · Fox Weather · Jun 17
Summary
A new Tornado Watch covers a large part of Illinois until 3 p.m. CT as a fast-moving morning storm cluster pushes in from Iowa and the severe threat ramps up.
An 80 mph mid-level jet, mid-80s temperatures and deep Gulf moisture are rapidly destabilizing the atmosphere, creating conditions for explosive supercells, tornadoes and widespread damaging winds.
Storms entering Illinois have already produced destructive straight-line winds, with a 94 mph gust reported earlier in Albion, Iowa, and forecasters warning of 80 to 100 mph gust potential in the line.
Forecasters say the morning wave is only the first round; after it clears, Illinois is expected to recover quickly and face a more dangerous afternoon setup for discrete, long-track tornado-producing storms.