Damaging Synoptic Wind Event Underway - The Latest

(2:30PM - 2/24/19) Check out those tightly packed isobars on the surface plot! Those lines represent equal pressure gradients around a deepening storm system over the Great Lakes. This has lead to damaging wind gusts across all of the Great Lakes region, including Illinois.

The damaging wind event continues for portions of the state at this time, but will gradually end this evening and tonight...

High winds have been impacting much of the state from late night through now. Widespread wind gusts of 50-65MPH have occurred across much of the state during that time, with isolated higher gusts. Numerous reports of tree and structural damage, along with power outages, have been coming in from Northern and Central Illinois.

Winds have already gradually lessened across Southern Illinois, and will continue to do so. Winds across Central Illinois will lessen heading into the evening, and across Northern Illinois early tonight. Until those times, wind gusts of 50-65MPH will continue to be likely.

High Wind Warnings remain in effect until 7pm.