Severe Storms Forecast for Springfield Area on Thursday

Tornadoes, hail, and heavy rain possible, especially southeast of the city

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The National Weather Service is warning that severe weather, including the potential for tornadoes, is expected to move through the Springfield, Illinois area on Thursday afternoon. The greatest threat is forecast for areas southeast of the city, with a 10% chance of at least EF-2 intensity tornadoes in places like Shelbyville, Mattoon, and Paris.

Why it matters

Severe storms can pose a significant threat to public safety, especially when they occur during busy times like when schools are letting out or people are still at work. Residents need to be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued for their area.

The details

According to Chris Geelhart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, the main threats from the storms include hail, heavy rain, and a 10% chance of tornadoes of at least EF-2 intensity. The storms are expected to move through the region by around 5:00 pm. Geelhart warned that the timing of the storms could be especially problematic, as they may hit when many people are still at work or school, rather than in their normal severe weather shelters.

  • The storms are expected to move through the Springfield area on Thursday afternoon.

The players

Chris Geelhart

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln.

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What they’re saying

“We have about a ten percent chance of tornadoes, basically from about Shelbyville, Mattoon, and Paris southward.”

— Chris Geelhart, Meteorologist (Capitol City Now)

“The bigger concern, Geelhart says, is when the storms may occur. Some places, (the storms will come) when school is letting out. People may still be at work. They're not used to having their severe weather plans from those vantage points.”

— Chris Geelhart, Meteorologist (Capitol City Now)

What’s next

Residents in the Springfield area should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe weather warnings are issued for their location on Thursday afternoon.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden storms, especially when they may occur during busy times of day when people are not in their typical severe weather shelters. Residents should review their emergency plans and stay vigilant for updates from local authorities.