A tornado watch is in effect for McLean County until 3 a.m. Saturday, as a powerhouse spring storm system nears Bloomington-Normal. McLean County is at a Level 4 (out of 5) risk of severe weather, according to the National Weather Service [NWS].
The primary threats include a few tornadoes (likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible), widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts up to 80 mph likely, and scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events up to 2.5 inches in diameter likely.
The storm is expected to hit McLean County sometime between 10 p.m. and midnight Friday, according to the weather service.
A wind advisory is also in effect through midday Saturday. The weather service says gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.
“With the storms expected to move faster than 60 mph, you will not have a lot of reaction time available, so make sure you are familiar with your severe weather safety rules ahead of time,” NWS said.
7:47pm CDT #SPC_MD 0177 , #inwx #ilwx #mowx #arwx, https://t.co/Gnr1m9txXJ pic.twitter.com/PyZLRtHnqZ
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) March 15, 2025
