Wed-Thur, Dec 15-16th High Wind Event Recap

(11:30AM - 12/18/21) A brief recap of the Wed-Thur, Dec 15-16th high wind event that affected the state and region.

Recap Summary...
​A storm system moved through the region, Wednesday into Thursday Dec 15-16th. This storm system strengthened as it moved from the Plains on Wednesday, and then into Canada on Thursday. This storm system brought a high wind event to much of the state.

Event Recap...
​Wednesday Morning - Thursday Morning, Dec 15-16th...
As a storm system pushed northeastward from the Plains into the Midwest Wednesday into Thursday, it was rapidly strengthening, with a powerful jet streak forming aloft as well. As a product of the strengthening storm system moving through, high winds aloft characterized by a low level jet (850mb) of 65-85KT and 925mb winds of 50-65KT, developed and moved through the region. Adequate mixing occurred, at least up to 925mb, which transported higher winds to the surface. Additionally, as a line of showers moved through ahead of a cold front, isolated higher wind gusts occurred. During this period, wind gusts of 40-60MPH occurred across Central Illinois and 50-70MPH across Northern Illinois. Wind gusts to these levels caused some occurrences tree damage and power outages across Northern and portions of Central Illinois.

Below is a list of observed peak wind gusts across the state during this event.

JP