THE LATEST ON TONIGHT'S SEVERE WEATHER THREAT! (credit: NWS Storm Prediction Center)

DISCUSSION: As the current low-pressure system centered over the region between Southern Iowa and Northern Missouri continues to slowly slide off to the east and eventually southeast this evening, the primary severe weather threat will shift to the east and southeast with time as well.  The current thinking by regional National Weather Service offices is that the most pronounced severe weather threat will be in the form of severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong damaging winds as well as large hail.  In addition, a few strong tornadoes cannot be ruled based on the intense combination of strong vertical speed and directional shear coupled with strong convective instability in place across the areas highlighted in the yellow, orange, and red-color coded regions.  Hence, since many of these storms will be at their most intense close to and after sunset today, it is imperative to take precautions now and bring any and all lose belongings which can become airborne inside your home to minimize the potential for projectile damage.  Currently, a number of dangerous storms have formed across parts of Northwestern Illinois which are already showing strong signs of low-to-mid level rotation.  Thus, an indication of the current threat for hail, strong winds associated with the main downdraft(s), and even a few tornadoes being possible very soon! To learn more about this and other high-impact weather from across the United States, be sure to click here!