Friday, March 14th:

TGIF! We’ve got a dangerous period of weather ahead across central Illinois. This afternoon will be mostly sunny, warm, and windy. Combined with recent dryness, conditions favorable for the rapid spread of fires are likely across the area. Any fires that are started today, intentionally or accidental, will have the potential to quickly become out of control. A line of fast-moving severe thunderstorms is expected to develop to our west this evening, moving into our area after 9 PM on Friday night. Widespread wind damage and a few tornadoes will be possible with the strongest storms in our area late tonight. Storms exit the area on Saturday, but windy conditions will keep fire weather concerns elevated through the weekend.