There's a heightened threat for severe weather, including the potential for strong, long-track tornadoes, is taking shape across northern Illinois Thursday afternoon and evening.  The National Weather Service is monitoring the areas east of I-55, depending on how it all unfolds.

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the region to a Level 3 out of 5 severe weather risk, signaling an increased likelihood of dangerous storms. The greatest concern is for areas along and west of Interstate 39, though severe weather could extend as far east as the Interstate 55 corridor. 
NWS Meteorologist LEE CARLAW says it’s mostly heavy rain headed this direction from Iowa…….
:51 (threat zone) # 40

(Thursday’s) setup is being driven by a powerful spring storm system moving out of the Plains into the Upper Midwest. Ahead of it, a warm front will lift north through the area Thursday morning, bringing warmer, more humid air and setting the stage for storm development. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 60s and 70s, with gusty south winds potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph.

94.1 WGFA