EAST-CENTRAL, IL (Chambana Today) — Residents across Central Illinois are being urged to take precautions Sunday as powerful winds and severe thunderstorms move through the region.
Forecasters say wind gusts outside of storms are already approaching 60 miles per hour, increasing the risk for even stronger winds once storms arrive later in the day. A line of intense thunderstorms is expected to develop after 3 p.m., bringing the potential for wind gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour.
Meteorologists warn the storms could produce widespread straight-line wind damage similar to what is sometimes seen with weaker tornadoes. Because of that risk, residents are being advised to treat any severe thunderstorm warning with the same caution they would a tornado warning.
The storms could cause significant tree damage and lead to power outages in parts of Central Illinois.
Meanwhile, a High Wind Warning has been issued for Ford County, Iroquois County, Kankakee County, Benton County and Newton County. Gusts over 65 miles per hour are possible between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., which could also result in downed trees and power outages.
Forecasters say the threat for damaging winds remains the primary concern, although a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out as the storms move through the area.