Chicago, Illinois – Powerful thunderstorms tore through northern and central Illinois Monday evening, bringing 60 mph wind gusts, torrential rain, and a threat of flash flooding to several counties. Residents from Joliet to Peoria faced the risk of downed trees, power outages, and dangerous travel as storms raced east.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago and Lincoln, warnings were issued just after 8 p.m. for Will, Fulton, Knox, and Peoria counties. Radar indicated strong winds across Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, and Joliet, while emergency managers confirmed a 57 mph gust in Farmington at 8:12 p.m.
Communities including Shorewood, Romeoville, Lockport, Minooka, and Crest Hill are under immediate threat as the storm line advances east at 40 to 50 mph. In central Illinois, Trivoli and Hanna City are in line for damaging winds by late evening. Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roads, as torrential rain has the potential to overwhelm drainage systems quickly.
The National Weather Service advises residents to shelter in interior rooms away from windows and remain alert for additional warnings. More advisories could be issued if storms strengthen overnight.
