Mercer County EMA Director Chad Wilrath is encouraging residents to stay weather aware as the area monitors the potential for severe weather over the next couple of days.

Wilrath said there is a chance for severe weather Tuesday night, but the main concern appears to be Wednesday, when storms could arrive in two waves.

He said the first round could move through sometime Wednesday afternoon, while the second round is the one forecasters are watching more closely. That round could arrive later Wednesday night, possibly between 8 and 10 PM and lasting into the overnight hours.

Wilrath said areas farther west, including Illinois and Indiana, appear to have a higher threat, but Mercer County is still near a level three out of five severe weather risk.

He reminded residents to have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings, keep an eye on the forecast, and be ready to take action if warnings are issued.