Tornado Watch for Northwest IL

A tornado watch has been issued for much of northwest and west-central Illinois until 12:00 midnight. The watch, highlighted in yellow, includes the following counties in the area: Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago.
There is currently a tornado warning just east of Iowa City, IA in effect until 7:45PM. This system is making its way into the Rockford area. Thunderstorms should begin hitting Rockford after 9PM. Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Whiteside counties should see thunderstorm activity within the next hour (8:20PM).
Strong to severe thunderstorms are going to be developing along a strong warm front currently situated through eastern Iowa and central Illinois. As the night goes on, the warm front will advance northward shifting the threat for severe weather to the northern half of Illinois.
We will continue to post updates on this developing storm threat but in the mean time please stay safe and avoid travel until this system passes if you can.