Alert archive / Illinois / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 263, NWS Lincoln, IL

June 16, 2026Champaign County, Vermilion County, Illinois

NWS Lincoln, IL issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jun 16, 2026, 3:38 PM CDT for Champaign County, Vermilion County, Illinois. It was in force for 67 min. 8 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jun 16, 2026, 3:38 PM CDT (20:38 UTC)
Expired
Jun 16, 2026, 4:45 PM CDT
In force
67 min
Issued by
NWS Lincoln, IL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Champaign County, IL, Vermilion County, IL

The radar

The Lincoln radar (KILX), 124 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:40 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jun 16, 3:47 PM CDTHAIL 1.25Saint Joseph, ILReport from mPING: Half Dollar (1.25 in.).
Jun 16, 3:47 PM CDTHAIL 1.75Saint Joseph, ILGolf ball size hail with photo by measuring tape.
Jun 16, 3:51 PM CDTHAIL 1.52 W Ogden, ILPing pong size hail along I-74 west of Odgen. A few pieces of hail larger than ping pong.
Jun 16, 3:52 PM CDTHAIL 1.75Ogden, ILOblong shape golf ball size hail from a viewer with photo.
Jun 16, 4:03 PM CDTHAIL 1.5Bismarck, ILPhoto of two large hailstones in hand.
Jun 16, 4:05 PM CDTHAIL 0.752 S Oakwood, ILHalf to three quarter inch size hail south of Oakwood.
Jun 16, 4:10 PM CDTFUNNEL CLOUD3 Se Fairmount, ILBrief Funnel cloud that never touched down.
Jun 16, 4:25 PM CDTHAIL 1Belgium, ILQuarter size hail in Belgium.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 6 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 9 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jun 16, 3:07 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 61 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2026-06-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2026-06-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 208 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1811 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
47 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
208 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
194 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

750 
WUUS53 KILX 162038
SVRILX
ILC019-183-162145-
/O.NEW.KILX.SV.W.0263.260616T2038Z-260616T2145Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
338 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Central Vermilion County in east central Illinois...
  Southeastern Champaign County in east central Illinois...

* Until 445 PM CDT.

* At 338 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over St. Joseph,
  or 7 miles east of Urbana, moving east at 30 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage 
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...
  St. Joseph and Ogden around 345 PM CDT.
  Fithian around 350 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this severe thunderstorm include
Oakwood, Danville, Tilton and Vermilion Regional Airport.

This includes Interstate 74 between mile markers 188 and 219.
 
This also includes Harry Babe Woodyard State Natural Area, Kickapoo
State Recreation Area, and Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3998 8810 4018 8814 4039 8753 3995 8754
TIME...MOT...LOC 2038Z 256DEG 22KT 4009 8806 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Barnes
3 follow-up statements
774 
WWUS53 KILX 162057
SVSILX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
357 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

ILC019-162106-
/O.CAN.KILX.SV.W.0263.000000T0000Z-260616T2145Z/
Champaign-
357 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
IS CANCELLED...

The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of 
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for
east central Illinois.

&&

LAT...LON 3997 8794 4022 8794 4023 8793 4025 8793
      4039 8753 3995 8754
TIME...MOT...LOC 2056Z 256DEG 22KT 4012 8792 

$$

ILC183-162145-
/O.CON.KILX.SV.W.0263.000000T0000Z-260616T2145Z/
Vermilion-
357 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM CDT
FOR CENTRAL VERMILION COUNTY...

At 356 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Fithian, or 14
miles east of Urbana, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

This severe storm will be near...
  Fithian around 400 PM CDT.
  Oakwood around 405 PM CDT.
  Danville around 420 PM CDT.
  Vermilion Regional Airport around 430 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Muncie,
Collison, Belgium, Alvin, Jamaica, Bismarck, and Henning.

This also includes Harry Babe Woodyard State Natural Area, Kickapoo
State Recreation Area, and Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area.
 
This includes Interstate 74 between mile markers 198 and 219.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3997 8794 4022 8794 4023 8793 4025 8793
      4039 8753 3995 8754
TIME...MOT...LOC 2056Z 256DEG 22KT 4012 8792 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Barnes
016 
WWUS53 KILX 162118
SVSILX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
418 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

ILC183-162145-
/O.CON.KILX.SV.W.0263.000000T0000Z-260616T2145Z/
Vermilion-
418 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN VERMILION COUNTY...

At 418 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Westville, or
near Danville, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail 
         damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind 
         damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southeastern Vermilion County, including the following locations...
Belgium.

This also includes Harry Babe Woodyard State Natural Area.
 
This includes Interstate 74 between mile markers 210 and 220.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 3996 8773 4019 8773 4024 8753 3995 8754
      3996 8772
TIME...MOT...LOC 2118Z 276DEG 29KT 4005 8763 

HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Barnes
133 
WWUS53 KILX 162143
SVSILX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
443 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

ILC183-162152-
/O.EXP.KILX.SV.W.0263.000000T0000Z-260616T2145Z/
Vermilion-
443 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN VERMILION COUNTY
WILL EXPIRE AT 445 PM CDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for
east central Illinois.

&&

LAT...LON 3996 8773 4019 8773 4024 8753 3995 8754
      3996 8772
TIME...MOT...LOC 2142Z 256DEG 22KT 4008 8746 

$$

Barnes

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Lincoln, IL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jun 16, 2:35 PM CDT, 1 hour 3 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • A dangerous severe weather outbreak is projected for for central IL on Wednesday, featuring tornadoes, damaging straight line winds, and large hail.
  • Heavy rainfall rates will create a risk of localized flash flooding on Wednesday, particularly for areas near and north of I-74.
  • Strong, non-convective gradient winds are anticipated Wednesday afternoon, with widespread southwest gusts near 45 mph, particularly for areas near and south of I-72.
Area forecast discussion, Jun 16, 2:35 PM CDT, 1 hour 3 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
235 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- A dangerous severe weather outbreak is projected for for
  central IL on Wednesday, featuring tornadoes, damaging
  straight line winds, and large hail.

- Heavy rainfall rates will create a risk of localized flash
  flooding on Wednesday, particularly for areas near and north
  of I-74.

- Strong, non-convective gradient winds are anticipated
  Wednesday afternoon, with widespread southwest gusts near 45
  mph, particularly for areas near and south of I-72.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 235 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

...Isolated severe storms east of I-57 this afternoon...

A vigorous mid-level shortwave is currently pivoting into the
east central WI, with a trailing cold front pushing east of the
IL River at 18z. Ahead of the front dewpoints are climbing to
around 60F over eastern IL, contributing the MLCAPEs around 500
J/kg. Steady cooling aloft south of the upper wave, combined
with deep layer shear around 50 kt, should allow for isolated to
scattered storm development east of I-57 this afternoon.
Thermodynamic profiles support an environment favorable for low-
topped supercells capable of hail greater than 1" diameter and
isolated damaging wind gusts. This activity should push south
near I-70 by early evening in a weakening mode as the upper
support pulls farther northeast.

...Moderate risk of severe weather Wednesday...

A strong mid-level shortwave will track into the Upper
Mississippi Valley, associated with and unseasonably strong 990
mb surface low. Mass field response south of the low is
impressive, with ECMWF EFI highlighting an event at the top of
mid June climatology in several kinematic and moisture fields.
A 50-60 knot 850mb low- level jet will aggressively transport
deep moisture into central and southeast Illinois overnight and
into Wednesday morning. Precipitable water values are forecast
to climb toward 2.0 inches, creating a high-efficiency
environment for torrential rainfall. Strong low and deep layer
shear will promote well organized and long lived storms capable
of strong, long-track tornadoes, destructive straight line
winds, and large hail.

The first round of convective activity is projected to move
into the region from the west during the morning hours, roughly
between 7 AM and 1 PM. CAMs suggest this activity will
primarily affect areas north of the I-72 corridor. High rain
rates accompanying this round, combined with antecedent soil
moisture, create a distinct threat for localized flash flooding.
Training storm cells are likely, particularly near and north of
I-74, prompting the issuance of a Flash Flood Watch for these
locations. In addition to the flash flood threat, the morning
round of storms looks to mainly be elevated but supported by
strong effective shear. Consequently, these storms will
primarily carry a risk for large hail. If storms can become
rooted to the surface, there is a non-zero risk for damaging
winds and a few tornadoes. The morning activity is significant
not only for its immediate hazards but also for its potential to
deposit an outflow boundary/effective warm front across the
region, which will play a crucial role in the evolution of the
atmosphere ahead of the primary afternoon severe weather event.

The atmosphere is primed for a significant severe weather event
Wed afternoon. Behind the morning convective activity, rapid
destabilization is projected, with MLCAPE values likely surging
into the 2500–3500 J/kg range and dewpoints reaching the lower
70s south of the boundary. This instability, combined with
impressive bulk shear values (60-75 knots), creates a highly
favorable environment for high-end severe storms. SPC’s Day 2
Outlook highlights a Moderate Risk (Level 4/5) for our area,
reflecting the high confidence in an outbreak of all severe
hazards. Discrete supercells are projected to initiate mid-to-
late afternoon along a strong cold front pushing into central
IL. These storms will pose an immediate threat for large hail,
potentially exceeding 2 inches in diameter, and the development
of strong (EF3+), long-tracked tornadoes. Shear vectors oriented
favorably off the boundary will likely promote discrete cells
persisting for several hours. Given the strong mid-level flow,
storm motion will be fast at 50-60 mph to the east, or southeast
for right movers. Eventually, cold pool interactions will
foster upscale growth of these supercells into a linear
structure during the evening. This line will will favor
destructive, straight-line wind gusts for east central and SE
IL, with line- embedded mesovortex tornadoes possible.

Looking at possible failure modes for widespread/intense
severe...while parameters are lining up well, forecast
soundings exhibit mid level winds at 70-90 kt. Local studies
have noted in past events when mid level winds exceed 80 kt,
updrafts have difficulty persisting and can get tilted/blown
downstream before growing tall enough to produce significant
severe weather. Will have to see if this has any impact on
coverage or intensity of this event.

Aside from the storm related hazards, an out of season
gradient wind event appears likely Wednesday afternoon driven by
the deep surface low just to our north. High-res guidance shows
southwesterly 45 mph wind gusts becoming likely, particularly
near and south of I-72. A Wind Advisory has been issued for
these areas from 1 PM to 7 PM. Crop canopy looks to be fairly
closed at this point, though any fields that remain
open/recently worked will carry a blowing dust risk.

Calmer, more stable conditions arrive Thursday and Friday as
the system departs and high pressure builds across the region.
Temperatures will remain seasonable, generally in the mid 70s
to low 80s.

By Saturday night and into the start of next week, the upper-
level pattern transitions into a zonal flow, reintroducing
active weather. The GFS and ECMWF show some divergence regarding
the specific timing of shortwave impulses, resulting in lower
confidence for exact precipitation timing. However, an unsettled
pattern is the most likely outcome, with the CPC 6-10 day
outlook suggesting a trend toward below-normal temperatures and
above-normal precipitation. AI/ML severe products show some low
probabilities for severe working back into the Midwest on
Sunday.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1224 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

A cold front was located just west of KPIA at 17z, and will push
east across the central IL terminals this afternoon. Winds will
veer SW to W behind the front, gusting 20-25 kt until rapidly
diminishing by early evening. There is a 20-30% chance that TSRA
will redevelop along the front this afternoon - the only
terminal that appears to risk seeing this is KCMI. Another round
of storms is expected to develop after 12z Wed, affecting mainly
near and north of I-74, so included a TEMPO or PROB30 mention at
the terminals. Gusty southeast winds will develop after sunrise.

&&

.ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening
for ILZ027>031-036>038.
Wind Advisory from 1 PM to 7 PM CDT Wednesday for ILZ040>057-
061>063-066>068-071>073.

&&

KEY MESSAGES...25
DISCUSSION...25
AVIATION...25
Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 16, 2:47 PM CDT, 51 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
247 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

ILZ027>031-036>038-040>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-172000-
Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-Schuyler-
Mason-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Cass-Menard-Scott-
Morgan-Sangamon-Christian-Macon-Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby-
Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence-
247 PM CDT Tue Jun 16 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois, east
central Illinois, southeast Illinois and west central Illinois.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

There is a marginal risk that some of the storms late this afternoon
could become severe east of I-57, with hail and wind gusts up to 60
mph.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Severe thunderstorms will move through the area Wednesday into
Wednesday night. There is a moderate risk (level 4 of 5) that these
storms will be severe. The risks are for strong tornadoes, damaging
winds, and large hail. Flash flooding is also possible due to storms
producing up to 2 inches of rainfall in a short amount of time.

River flooding is ongoing for portions of central IL. Please refer
to the latest flood statements for details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated tonight.

25

The office that day

Everything else NWS Lincoln, IL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jun 16, 12:28 PM CDTWind AdvisoryILXCass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles and 21 more30 hr
Jun 16, 1:10 PM CDTFlood WatchILXFulton, Knox, McLean, Marshall, Peoria, Stark and 2 more30 hr
Jun 16, 4:31 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXChampaign, Douglas, Edgar, Vermilion44 min
Jun 16, 6:12 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXClark, Coles, Edgar63 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Illinois, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.