Chicago, IL – A powerful spring storm system could bring damaging winds and thunderstorms across the Chicago area Sunday evening, followed by snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold wind chills by Monday.
The National Weather Service in Chicago says a band of showers and thunderstorms may sweep across northern Illinois between about 4 PM and 9 PM Sunday, moving from west to east.
The main hazard will be damaging wind gusts, especially across areas highlighted in Slight to Enhanced severe weather risk zones (Levels 2 and 3) across northern and central Illinois.
Forecasters note that some storms may produce strong winds even with little or no lightning, which can make them more difficult to recognize.
After the storms move through Sunday night, rain is expected to change to a wintry mix and eventually snow on the backside of the storm system as colder air rapidly moves into the region.
The combination of falling temperatures, snow, and strong northwest winds could create hazardous travel conditions Sunday night into Monday, especially across parts of northern Illinois including Rockford, DeKalb, and surrounding counties.
Temperatures will drop sharply behind the storm. By Monday, highs may only reach the 20s, with wind chills plunging between -15°F and -5°F due to strong winds.
Lake effect snow could also develop near northwest Indiana and the Lake Michigan shoreline early in the week.
Forecasters urge residents to stay updated on the forecast as conditions could change quickly with this rapidly evolving storm system.
