Fri-Sat, March 25-26th High Wind Episode Update #2

(11:00AM Friday - 3/25/22) A storm system moving through the region will bring a period of high winds to portions of the state and region, this afternoon through Saturday morning.

Summary...
A weak and fast moving storm system that originated in Southern Canada last night will move through the Great Lakes today, and then into the Northeast on Saturday. This storm system will bring a period of high winds to portions of the state and region, this afternoon through Saturday morning.

Forecast...
​This Afternoon - Saturday Morning, March 25-26th ~ High Wind Episode:
A weak and fast moving storm system will move through the region today through Saturday, bringing a period of high winds to portions of the state this afternoon through Saturday morning. High winds aloft, characterized by a low level jet (850MB) of upwards to 30-50KT and 925MB winds of 25-45KT, will be in place. Adequate mixing is anticipated at least up to 850MB, strong cold air advection and high lapse rates will aide in transporting higher winds to the surface. During this period, northwesterly wind gusts of 35-50MPH are expected across a large portion of Northern and Central Illinois, this afternoon through Saturday morning.

In addition to windy conditions, rain/snow showers/squalls are expected this afternoon into tonight across portions of Northern and Central Illinois. Some of the squalls may be convective and strong enough to produce lightning/thunder and graupel.

​​Impacts...
-High winds gusts of 35-50MPH are expected across portions of Northern and Central Illinois, this afternoon through Saturday morning.

JP