Tracking two rounds of storms Friday, both bring severe potential

After a nice two day break from severe weather, the potential returns as we round out the work week. This time, we're not talking just one round, but two. For that, the Storm Prediction Center has all of N. Illinois and S. Wisconsin under a level 2 Slight Risk.

The first is currently progressing eastward across our neighboring corn-loving state to the west, resulting in a severe thunderstorm watch for those areas. 

 

As this line of storms approaches N. Illinois, it will be in a state of weakening, though may still pose a risk for damaging straight-line winds as it moves through NW. Illinois and S. Wisconsin. Timing for the first round is from 8-9AM to 1PM. 

Forecast models are then hinting at redevelopment in E. Iowa as the associated cold front approaches. If the atmosphere is able to destabilize quickly, a secondary round of strong to severe storms will be possible this afternoon into the early evening. 

Primary concern will once again be damaging winds, followed by a tornado or two. Now, the tornado threat may become a bit higher if the morning activity is able to throw out an outflow boundary. 

This will enhance the low-level shear or spin in the atmosphere, further increasing the potential for a few tornadoes. Similar to Monday and Tuesday, be keep tabs on radar as well as having multiple ways to get watches and warnings.

Once the cold front is through, conditions will quiet down overnight into Saturday. This will pave the way for a less active start to Memorial Day weekend with highs peaking in the upper 70s. 

Storm chances are fast to return by Sunday as a strong low pressure system zips into Minnesota/Wisconsin from the central plains. As of this morning, the severe threat is highest near and south of the warm front in west-central and S. Illinois. With that being said, the Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the region under a level 1 Marginal Risk for severe weather. Something to monitor!