>>>ENHANCED RISK remains in place for late tonight/early tomorrow morning, MODERATE RISK for much of Monday including the afternoon and evening close to the area…
A pretty hefty line of storms has formed in east central Minnesota this evening. Already several reports of wind damage and winds measured near 70MPH. This line will continue to race southeastward through the overnight hours and should reach the local area after 4-5AM tomorrow morning. There is enough instability …present that the line should maintain strength through much of the overnight hours. Our main risk is still damaging winds in excess of 70MPH and heavy rainfall.
After the first wave moves out in the morning, attention then turns to a second area that may form either over the local area, or just to the north and west. This second round will again include the risk of damaging winds, but depending on where these storms initiate, large hail and tornadoes will be possible. Lot’s of instability will be present again tomorrow afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Northern Illinois in a MODERATE RISK of severe weather.
Regardless, you definitely want to make sure you have a way to receive watches and warnings as we head through the overnight hours and through the day on Monday. We’ve already witnessed what strong straight-line winds can do (Northland Mall). It doesn’t necessarily have to be a tornado to cause damage to a building. So make sure you seek shelter in a sturdy structure if a warning is issued. We’ll pass along anything that threatens the immediate local area. Until then, stay weather aware the next 24 hours!