Chicago, Illinois – Damaging winds up to 50 mph are already building across northern Illinois this morning, with a second, more dangerous round of severe storms expected to develop by 3 p.m., bringing tornado potential and 70 mph wind gusts into the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. for northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, with strongest gusts expected during the afternoon. At the same time, an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms is setting up west of Interstate 39, including Rockford, DeKalb, Ottawa, and the Quad Cities, where tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail up to one inch are possible between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Storms are expected to track northeast at 45 to 55 mph, quickly impacting communities along I-88, I-80, and I-55 corridors. In Chicago, the tornado risk is lower but still present, with damaging winds remaining the primary concern into the evening commute.
Residents should secure outdoor items early, avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours, and ensure multiple ways to receive warnings. Power outages and rapid weather changes are likely where storms intensify.
Storms may continue into early Saturday morning before shifting east, with additional alerts possible depending on how conditions evolve overnight.
