United States Severe Weather Triggers Thunderstorm Warnings in Illinois and Nebraska
Severe thunderstorms with 60 mph wind gusts prompted warnings early Friday morning across parts of Illinois and Nebraska, while Tropical Storm Lala threatened Hawaii with potential hurricane landfall, heavy rains, and life-threatening flooding. United States severe weather conditions have led to multiple National Weather Service alerts focused on damaging winds and flooding.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Illinois and Nebraska
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Peoria, IL, at 245 AM CDT for storms moving east at 40 mph with 60 mph wind gusts capable of damaging roofs, siding, and trees. [1] Locations impacted in Illinois include Morton, Tremont, Mackinaw, Hopedale, Minier, Powerton, North Pekin, Groveland, Kingston Mines, and Dillon. [1] The warning noted that radar indicated the hazard of 60 mph wind gusts and expected damage to roofs, siding, and trees. [1] These severe storms will be near Morton, Tremont, Mackinaw, and Hopedale around 250 AM CDT, with Minier affected around 255 AM CDT. [1] A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Custer, NE, at 242 AM CDT for storms moving northeast at 45 mph with 60 mph wind gusts and similar damage risks. [2] Locations impacted in Nebraska include Broken Bow, Arnold, Callaway, Merna, Gandy, Logan, Milldale, Lodi, Tarboz Lake, Shanklin Bluff, Pleasant Hill, Hoagland, and Finchville. [2] The Nebraska warning covered highways in the warned area and stated that radar indicated the hazard of 60 mph wind gusts with expected damage to roofs, siding, and trees. [2]
Threat from Tropical Storm Lala to Hawaii
Tropical Storm Lala, located 455 miles southeast of Hilo with 60 mph winds, is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and bring 5-8 inches of rain up to 12-18 inches in higher elevations, prompting a state of emergency in Hawaii. [4] Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen to a hurricane before reaching Hawaii's Big Island this weekend, forecasters said Friday, bringing heavy rains that can cause destructive flooding and strong winds that can fuel wildfires. [3] The Big Island is anticipated to start experiencing rainfall from Lala by midday on Friday, with the intensity of the downpours expected to increase throughout the day. [4] The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Lala will develop into a powerful tropical storm as it approaches or passes near Hawaii, and a landfall as a hurricane cannot be ruled out. [4] Tropical Storm Lala developed in the Central Pacific on Thursday. [4]
{IMAGE_2}
Emergency Declarations and Watches Issued
Hawaii has announced a State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Lala approaches, with forecasts indicating that it may develop into a Category 1 hurricane, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the islands. [4] On Thursday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced a state of emergency as officials brace for potentially substantial effects throughout the islands. [4] “Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaiʻi Island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” Governor Green stated. [4] “I urge everyone to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans, and follow updates from trusted official sources. Please take this storm seriously and look out for one another.” [4] A Hurricane Warning is currently active for the Big Island, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in place for Maui County, which encompasses the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. [4]
Forecast Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Rainfall amounts of 5-8 inches are projected for the majority of the islands through Sunday. [4] In the higher elevations and on the windward, or eastern, sides of the Big Island and Maui, rainfall totals may reach between 12 and 18 inches. [4] The most significant danger posed by this system will be the intense rainfall and the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides. [4] Officials warn of intense rainfall with heavy rain and life-threatening flooding anticipated. [4] Strong winds that can fuel wildfires are also expected alongside the heavy rains that can cause destructive flooding. [3]
Historical Context for Hawaiian Tropical Systems
The most recent tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii was Olivia, which impacted Maui and Lanai in 2018. [4] Prior to that, the last hurricane to strike the state was Category 4 Iniki in 1992, which is still recognized as the most expensive hurricane in Hawaiian history. [4]
Additional Flash Flood Warning in Illinois
At 241 AM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area in Ford, IL. [5] Up to 2 inches of rain have fallen with additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches possible in the warned area. [5] Flash flooding is already occurring. [5] The hazard is flash flooding caused by thunderstorms, with rapid-onset flooding of creeks, streams, drainage ditches, streets, underpasses, low-lying areas expected. [5]
What to watch next: Forecasters continue to track Tropical Storm Lala as it strengthens and moves closer to the Big Island, with a Hurricane Warning in effect and risks of life-threatening flooding remaining the primary concern through the week
