Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois could encounter rapidly changing road conditions after midnight as isolated thunderstorms begin developing, with a much stronger round expected to disrupt the Tuesday afternoon commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, storm chances remain limited overnight at 20 to 30 percent, mainly north of I-88, but any cell that forms could produce hail up to 1.25 inches and strong wind gusts. The more significant threat arrives Tuesday afternoon and evening, when storm coverage increases beyond 70 percent and intensity ramps up across the region.
Communities from Rockford to Waukegan and into downtown Chicago may see the first stronger cells develop west of I-39 before tracking east-northeast at nearly 40 mph. That forward speed raises the risk for sudden wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs, especially along I-90, I-94, and I-290 corridors. جنوب and southeast suburbs including Joliet, Kankakee, and northwest Indiana face a higher severe risk zone where large hail and damaging winds are more likely.
Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours Tuesday afternoon through early evening. Power outages and brief road closures remain possible in stronger cells.
Storm threats diminish later Tuesday night, but additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve through the evening commute.
