Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Coles, Cumberland, Shelby Counties

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for portions of Coles, Cumberland, and Shelby Counties until 11:30 PM CDT tonight, September 20. The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued the warning at 10:27 PM CDT.

Residents in southern Coles County, east central Shelby County, and northern Cumberland County should take immediate shelter. The severe thunderstorm, located near Neoga at 10:26 PM CDT, is moving east at 25 mph. It is producing 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, according to radar indications.

Impacts are expected to include damage to roofs, siding, and trees. The storm is forecast to be near Neoga around 10:30 PM CDT, and will then affect Janesville and Toledo. This warning includes Interstate 57 between mile markers 177 and 185, Interstate 70 between mile markers 118 and 119, and between mile markers 121 and 126, as well as Fox Ridge State Park.

For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Remain alert for a possible tornado; if one is spotted, go at once into a basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud-to-ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.