Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois have a narrow window before conditions rapidly deteriorate, with thunderstorms capable of hail and 45 mph wind gusts pushing into the region through midnight, followed by powerful crosswinds that could disrupt the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, isolated to scattered thunderstorms will continue through 12 a.m. Friday, with the highest severe threat focused south of the city into central Illinois and Indiana. Any storm may produce cloud-to-ground lightning and heavy downpours, while stronger cells could generate hail and gusty winds. Storms are moving northeast at 40 to 50 mph.
Behind the storms, a cold front will trigger west-northwest wind gusts up to 45 mph beginning early Friday morning and lasting until 4 p.m. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for all of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. Crosswinds may create hazardous travel for high-profile vehicles along north-south routes including I-55, I-57, I-39 and portions of I-294. Drivers on Lake Shore Drive and I-90 should prepare for sudden gusts, especially on exposed overpasses.
Light objects may be blown around, and isolated power outages are possible. Snow showers and brief flurries could mix in Friday, with minor slushy accumulation on colder surfaces near Rockford.
More typical late-February air settles in this weekend, with highs in the 30s and lake effect snow developing in northwest Indiana late Saturday through Monday morning. Additional advisories could be issued if bands intensify.
