Showers/storms this afternoon and early evening



From: Tony Honchar from his daugher just north of Freeport










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5:15PM UPDATE: ...A FEW FUNNEL CLOUDS REPORTED IN STEPHENSON COUNTY...

A TRAINED SPOTTERS REPORTED SIGHTING FUNNEL CLOUDS IN WESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTY. THE FUNNEL CLOUDS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH SHOWERS

OCCURRING BETWEEN KENT AND MCCONNELL IN WESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTY. THE SHOWERS WERE DRIFTING SLOWLY TO THE SOUTHEAST.

THESE FUNNELS ARE TYPICALLY SHORT LIVED AND RARELY TOUCH DOWN. THE ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS THESE FUNNELS ARE DEVELOPING IN DO NOT SUPPORT STRONG...DAMAGING TORNADOES.  THE SHOWERS ARE EXPECTED TO DISSIPATE JUST AFTER SUNSET.  IN THE UNUSUAL CASE THEY DO TOUCH DOWN...THEY SHOULD BE ON THE GROUND ONLY BRIEFLY AND PRODUCE MINIMAL...IF ANY DAMAGE. HOWEVER...IF THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS APPROACH YOUR LOCATION...MOVE INDOORS

TO A PLACE OF SAFETY.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE
SITUATION. PLEASE FORWARD REPORTS OF FUNNEL SIGHTINGS TO THE NEAREST
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FOR RELAY TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

The cool front passed this morning but the low level moisture has been slow to leave.  That combined with strong daytime heating has created a somewhat unstable atmosphere this afternoon.  Just as I said this morning, we would likely see cumulus clouds build through the afternoon and possibly a few showers/storms as well. 

Well, a few storm cells have developed out in northwest Illinois late this afternoon and will probably expand in coverage.  A lake breeze has also developed and could help to ignite a few more storms further east.  Once the sun begins to set, the storms will decrease in coverage as we lose our daytime heating.  Should the storms sustain themselves for some time small hail and even gusty winds could be possible. - CK