Chicago, Illinois – Strong to locally damaging thunderstorms could move across parts of northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. today, bringing dangerous lightning, heavy downpours, and hail to communities including Chicago, Waukegan, Joliet, and Valparaiso.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the main threat zone lies east of a dashed boundary stretching from Waukegan southward through the city and into Rensselaer. Isolated to widely scattered storms are expected, but stronger cells could produce wind gusts capable of snapping branches and generating quarter-sized hail.
Drivers on I-90, I-94, and I-80 should anticipate reduced visibility and hydroplaning risk during the heaviest rain periods. Lightning strikes could also prompt delays at O’Hare and Midway airports. Residents near Lake Michigan should be especially alert, as storm motion is expected to track eastward at 40 mph.
The NWS advises residents to move indoors if thunder is heard and use caution while driving in downpours. Today’s system is not widespread but could pack a punch in concentrated areas.
Further updates will follow if conditions intensify. Alerts remain in effect until 5 p.m. CDT.
