Joliet, Illinois – Strong thunderstorms could roll across northeastern Illinois Friday evening, bringing the risk of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 17 includes Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston and Will counties. Storms moving northeast across the region may intensify quickly through the evening hours, producing damaging wind bursts, frequent lightning and brief torrential rainfall.
Communities along the I-55 and I-80 corridors near Joliet, Morris and Wilmington could see sudden wind gusts strong enough to down small tree limbs and cause isolated power outages. Farther south, Kankakee, Watseka, Pontiac and Paxton may experience heavy rain and pockets of hail as stronger cells track across the area.
Drivers should prepare for rapid visibility drops during downpours on I-57, I-80 and U.S. 45, particularly during the late-evening travel period. Local emergency managers advise securing loose outdoor objects and moving vehicles under shelter if hail begins to fall.
Storm intensity may change quickly, and additional warnings could be issued if individual storms strengthen. The severe thunderstorm watch remains active across parts of northeastern and east-central Illinois until 11 p.m. Friday, with updates expected as storms move east overnight.
