Severe Thunderstorm Watch Possible

(3:17:28 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rochelle [Ogle Co, IL] trained spotter reports HAIL of pea size (E0.25 INCH) at 03:12 PM CDT -- a brief period of pea sized hail that lasted about a minute.

The Storm Prediction Center is monitoring parts of Iowa, Wisconsin and northern Illinois for the possibility of a Severe Thunderstorm Watch needing to be issued later this afternoon and evening.


With the sunshine we've had most of the afternoon instability has increased over much of the Stateline.  A cold front lies from near southern Wisconsin back through Iowa and will likely become the focal point for thunderstorms later today. 

There have already been some isolated storms that have developed over southern Lee County and I expect coverage to become more widespread through early evening.  Strong storms capable of producing large hail and damaging winds will be possible.