Strong Wind — Williamson, Illinois

2025-03-05 · Williamson, Illinois

Wider weather episode

An anomalously deep surface low pressure system (980mb) lifted from the Plains to the Great Lakes on the 5th. This created a very strong pressure gradient across southern Illinois, and also induced a 70-80kt low-level jet at around 850mb. As a result, southwest winds increased in the pre-dawn hours and gradually shifted to the west through the day. Gusts in the 35-45mph range were common from 0400CST to 1700CST. The strongest gusts were focused along the Mississippi River and the Highway 13 corridor.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1247638. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.