- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Jacksonville Today
By the People, for the People
Severe Storms Threaten Central Illinois on Thursday
Tornado risk, high winds, and hail possible as cold front moves through the region
Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:19pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
An enhanced risk of severe weather has been highlighted for much of northern and central Illinois on Thursday, with the potential for discrete supercell storms that could produce tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a 10% tornado risk and 30% wind risk in the region, with the threat extending as far south as the Springfield and Jacksonville areas.
Why it matters
Severe thunderstorms can cause significant property damage, power outages, and pose a threat to public safety. This weather event is particularly concerning given the potential for tornadoes, which can be devastating to communities in their path. Residents in the affected areas should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.
The details
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, the severe weather threat is expected to develop on Thursday afternoon as a cold front moves through the region. Forecasters say the conditions are ripe for the formation of discrete supercell storms that could produce tornadoes, damaging winds up to 70 mph, and hail up to the size of quarters. The tornado risk is highest in central Illinois, including the Springfield and Jacksonville areas, where a 10% chance of an EF2 or stronger tornado has been forecast.
- Severe storms are expected to develop on Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2026.
- The main severe weather threat window is from 12 PM to 6 PM on Thursday.
- The cold front is forecast to move through the region on Thursday evening, leading to a decrease in storm activity.
The players
NOAA Storm Prediction Center
The federal agency responsible for issuing severe weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.
What they’re saying
“This should, at least initially, include discrete supercell development with potential to produce tornadoes, before perhaps growing upscale while developing east-northeastward ahead of the surface cyclone into Thursday evening.”
— NOAA Storm Prediction Center
“Additional supercells are likely to continue developing south-southwestward along the trailing dryline, before it is overtaken by the cold front, toward the lower Missouri Valley.”
— NOAA Storm Prediction Center
What’s next
Residents in the affected areas should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued on Thursday. Local emergency management officials will be closely tracking the storm system and may issue additional guidance or instructions as the situation develops.
The takeaway
This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially in regions prone to tornadoes and other extreme storms. Residents should review their emergency plans, stock up on supplies, and stay vigilant for any updates from local authorities.
