Chicago, Illinois – Damaging winds and hail could sweep across northeast Illinois late Friday, especially east of I-55, as strong to severe thunderstorms develop during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, storms may begin forming after 4 p.m. CDT and could last through 10 p.m. The greatest threat zone stretches from Joliet and Kankakee northeast into Chicago and Waukegan, where conditions favor strong winds up to 50 mph and hail.
While not every area will see storms, forecasters say coverage and intensity remain uncertain—similar to weather seen earlier this week. Areas west of I-55, including Ottawa and Dixon, face lower risk, though isolated cells can’t be ruled out.
Residents in Cook, Will, and DuPage counties should monitor local alerts, secure outdoor objects, and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Travel may become hazardous during peak hours, especially along I-57 and I-80.
This could be the region’s strongest round of storms since early spring, but confidence in exact impacts remains limited. Additional updates are expected by Friday morning as confidence grows in timing and track.
