Tagged: severe weather

Gov. Pat Quinn has issued an emergency declaration following the flooding and severe weather affecting areas across Illinois yesterday.

The action allows the state to access federal resources including generators, pump systems sandbags and additional funds. It is a step below a disaster emergency declaration.

Quinn says the American Red Cross has opened two shelters in north central Illinois. One is in Oglesby and another in Roanoke.

National Weather Service forecasters say a line of storms moving in out of the west this afternoon will bring a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes lasting into the evening.

Severe weather is expected across the region over the next 48 hours.

The national weather service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch through 9:00pm for the  WKMS listening area. A wind advisory will also be in effect beginning at 1:00am.

Forecasters expect a second line of storms to reach the area in late afternoon tomorrow. The storms should last late into the night. Forecasters say the conditions will be favorable for high winds, hail and tornadoes. Rainfall totals are expected to be 1 to 2 inches. 

A strong storm system with damaging wind, heavy rain and a possible tornado is leading a cold front into the Four Rivers region tonight.