Chicago, IL – A potentially destructive line of severe thunderstorms could sweep across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana Tuesday, bringing wind gusts above 80 mph and potentially creating hazardous conditions during the late-morning and early-afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, the threat for an intense line of severe thunderstorms is increasing between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. CDT Tuesday. Forecasters said the primary concern is destructive winds capable of causing structural damage and knocking down trees.
Much of the Chicago area, including communities around Joliet, DeKalb, Ottawa and Kankakee, is shown under a Level 3 severe weather threat on the agency’s five-level scale. Areas farther north toward Waukegan and near Rockford are generally shown at Level 2.
The threat also extends into northwest Indiana, including areas around Gary and Valparaiso.
Storms could develop into an intense, fast-moving line, with the National Weather Service showing average storm movement toward the southeast at approximately 45 to 55 mph. That speed could allow dangerous conditions to arrive quickly once storms develop.
Forecasters said uncertainty remains over the exact coverage of storms across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana and how rapidly individual storms will organize into a line.
A Level 2 flooding threat is also indicated, adding the possibility of locally heavy rainfall and difficult travel in areas repeatedly affected by thunderstorms.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings Tuesday and monitor updated forecasts before heading out. The National Weather Service said its next scheduled update is expected by 5 a.m. CDT Tuesday.
