Heavy Rains and Hail Strike Illinois, Flooding Fields and Roads

Peoria, Ill.- On Thursday, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms formed across Central Illinois, bringing with them damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain.

Fulton and McDonough counties were impacted the worst by a series of severe thunderstorms that brought huge hail and devastating winds to the area. One storm brought golf ball-sized hail to Table Grove and half-dollar hail to Vermont in Fulton County.

Storms were less severe closer to Peoria, although one storm produced nickel and quarter-sized hail in areas from Peoria to Toluca. Strong winds took down a few trees and power lines in McDonough and Fulton Counties, leaving hundreds of people without power. In nearby Schuyler County, powerful wind gusts destroyed a few sheds and structures in the small community of Littleton.

Heavy rain fell in parts of Fulton and McDonough counties, causing flooding in fields and on county highways. Radar indicates that a few spots along and west of the Illinois River received 1-2 inches of rain, mainly in western Fulton and McDonough Counties.

Next week’s forecast predicts further storms, with severe weather possible on Tuesday and Wednesday. Once again, conditions may be favorable for severe winds, massive hail, heavy rain, and even a few tornados.

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