Chicago, Illinois – Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph could sweep across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana early Friday, threatening power lines and making travel hazardous through the afternoon commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday across the Chicago metro region and much of northern Illinois. Southwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts approaching 60 mph, strong enough to snap tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
Across the Chicago metro area, drivers on Interstates 90, 94, 55, and 80 could face strong crosswinds during the morning commute, especially on elevated roadways and bridges. Communities including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Schaumburg, and Evanston may see falling branches and isolated outages as the strongest gusts arrive late morning.
Farther west and north, cities such as Rockford, DeKalb, Dixon, and Rochelle could see similar conditions with open farmland allowing winds to accelerate. Along the Lake Michigan shoreline, communities including Waukegan, Evanston, and Gary, Indiana, may experience sudden gusts capable of pushing vehicles in exposed areas.
Officials urge residents to secure outdoor furniture, trash bins, and decorations before winds increase overnight. High-profile vehicles such as semi-trucks and delivery vans should use caution on exposed highways.
The strongest winds are expected from the early morning hours through mid-afternoon Friday, with conditions gradually easing by evening, though additional advisories could follow if damage or outages become widespread.
