Chicago, Illinois – A powerful spring storm will bring damaging winds, thunderstorms, and a rapid return to winter conditions across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana Sunday into Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.
Strong southerly winds will increase through mid-morning and continue into the evening, with peak gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph in some areas, especially along and east of the Interstate 57 corridor.
Officials say the powerful winds could make travel difficult on east-west roads and may blow around loose outdoor objects. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should use caution.
Meanwhile, multiple waves of showers and thunderstorms are expected across the region, first during the late morning hours and again between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. The evening storms could produce damaging wind gusts, lightning, heavy downpours, and small hail.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 50s to lower 60s Sunday afternoon, but conditions will change quickly after a cold front sweeps through the area tonight.
Behind the front, temperatures will plunge and rain will transition to snow, with accumulating and blowing snow expected from about 9 p.m. through Monday afternoon.
Northwest winds could gust between 45 and 50 mph overnight and Monday morning, leading to reduced visibility and hazardous travel, particularly northwest of Interstate 55, where the highest snowfall totals are possible. Some locations in that area could see more than 3 inches of snow, though forecasters say confidence in exact amounts remains low.
Snow showers and blowing snow may continue into Monday as bitter wind chills drop into the single digits during the day and fall below zero Monday night into early Tuesday.
