Chicago, Ill. – Millions across northern Illinois are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, signaling a growing threat for damaging storms that could disrupt travel and daily activity through the afternoon.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 78 remains in effect until 5 p.m. CDT, covering 13 counties including Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake-adjacent areas, and parts of central Illinois such as La Salle and Livingston counties.
This watch includes major population centers like Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, and Kankakee. Conditions are favorable for storms capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail large enough to damage vehicles and property.
Key travel corridors including I-90, I-94, I-55, and I-80 may be impacted by rapidly changing conditions, especially if storms organize into clusters or lines. Sudden downpours could reduce visibility, while strong wind gusts may bring down tree limbs and create scattered power outages.
Residents are urged to prepare now by securing loose outdoor items, charging devices, and staying alert for warnings. While a watch does not guarantee severe weather, it indicates that storms can quickly become dangerous.
The highest risk period will continue through the afternoon hours, with storms expected to move east or weaken by early evening. Additional warnings are likely as storms develop across the region.
