Peoria, Ill. (WMBD) — Another strong storm system will move through Illinois Wednesday bringing gusty winds, scattered severe thunderstorms, and even another round of snow to the area.
Key Takeaways
- Severe storms are possible between 2 pm and 7 pm
- All severe hazards possible
- 65 MPH wind gusts
- Half dollar size hail
- A few tornadoes, potentially strong
- Gusty gradient winds up to 45 mph expected through Wednesday night
- Rain changing to snow Wednesday night
There’s been a big upgrade from the Storm Prediction Center which now places most of Central Illinois within a Level 3 Risk (Enhanced Risk) for severe storms.
A lot has changed since Tuesday morning as model guidance continues to trend towards a rapidly destabilizing environment Wednesday afternoon. With ample shear this should lead to the development of scattered low-topped supercells capable of producing tornadoes, some of which could be strong.
In addition to tornadoes these storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 65 mph and half dollar size hail. These storms will be more hit-or-miss compared to the storms that came through on Friday night, so not everyone will see severe storms, but this has the potential to be a localized tornado outbreak for our area.
Storm Timing
A few rain showers will be possible in the morning with the window for strong to severe thunderstorms opening in the afternoon. A broken band of thunderstorms will develop along the cold front and move to the northeast at 30 mph. The current timing of the system has storms passing through the area between 1 pm and 6 pm.
Another Round of Snow
Temperatures will drop quickly behind the front with additional showers pushing in from the west. Rain will redevelop in the evening but will change to snow after midnight as temperatures fall into the low to mid 30s. Snow accumulations will be similar to what we saw Sunday morning with amounts ranging from a trace to 3.0″, highest west of the Illinois River, and mainly confined to grassy and elevated surfaces. Peoria could see up to 2.0″ of snow.
Gusty Winds
Winds will be gusty throughout the day on Wednesday and those winds will likely continue through Wednesday night. Winds will be from the south through early afternoon with gusts up to 45 mph possible. Winds will shift to the southwest behind the cold front and eventually to the northwest. Periodic gusts of 40-45 mph will remain possible overnight which could lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow. A Wind Advisory is in effect for much of the area through early Wednesday evening. This advisory may be expanded in future updates…