Chicago, IL – A widespread severe weather threat is taking shape across the Midwest and Ohio Valley Tuesday, with thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and large hail expected from portions of Illinois into Indiana and surrounding states.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, one or two clusters of thunderstorms may develop and organize Tuesday, creating the potential for swaths of damaging wind across parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley through tonight. The agency’s latest key messages were updated at 4:19 a.m. EDT.
The primary concern is severe wind. Forecasters said some gusts could briefly exceed 75 mph, potentially bringing down trees and power lines and causing structural damage. A couple of tornadoes and some large hail are also possible.
The Storm Prediction Center’s outlook shows a Level 3 of 5, or enhanced, severe weather risk extending from portions of Illinois through Indiana, including areas near Peoria, Aurora, Chicago, Gary and Indianapolis. A broader severe weather threat stretches across parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley, including portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and neighboring states.
The damaging-wind probabilities are particularly elevated from Illinois into Indiana and the Ohio Valley. Tornado potential also covers portions of the region, while a separate hail threat exists farther northwest.
Storm timing and exact locations may change as thunderstorms develop Tuesday. Residents across the affected region should monitor local forecasts and have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Drivers should also prepare for potentially hazardous travel from torrential rain, strong crosswinds, fallen branches and localized road obstructions.
