Chicago, IL – A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Missouri and Illinois through 1 AM CDT Sunday. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago advises residents to stay vigilant and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
According to the NWS, the storm system could produce isolated hail up to ping-pong ball size and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph. There is also a potential for a couple of tornadoes to develop. Areas under the watch include Chicago, Rockford, Kankakee, Peoria, and parts of eastern Iowa and northern Missouri.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds and to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Those in mobile homes or temporary structures should seek more sturdy shelter. The NWS emphasizes the importance of having a reliable method to receive weather alerts, such as a weather radio or smartphone app, especially during nighttime hours when storms can be harder to detect.
