Severe storm potential still on the table for northern Illinois this evening

In terms of severe weather potential, there hasn't been much change overnight. 

In their latest round of severe outlooks, the Storm Prediction Center has left the half of the Stateline (Galena, Sterling, Rochelle and Amboy) under a level 3 of 5 Enhanced Risk, leaving the other half (Rockford, Monroe, Beloit, and Belvidere) under a level 2 of 5 Slight Risk.

As a powerful and dynamic area of low pressure spins into the central plains, a round of showers and storms will quickly erupt ahead of it. These will form into a strong line, lifting northeastward towards northern Illinois as we head into the evening. 

Forecast models continues to show these storms arriving between 8-9PM, with chances lasting into the first hour or two of Saturday. 

As we've previously discussed, atmospheric energy and moisture will be lacking, so these storms will be gradually weakening as they approach the Stateline. Still, I would be sure to have multiple ways to get watches and warning as well as make sure your severe weather shelter is ready to go just in case. Due to the fact there will be a lot of wind higher up in the atmosphere, any portion of the line that maintains it's strength will be ca[able of producing strong straight-line winds, followed by a tornado or two.