Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois could face hazardous travel this afternoon as severe thunderstorms sweep into the region, packing damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall through 11 p.m. tonight.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the strongest storms are expected between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., impacting Chicago, Joliet, Elgin, and surrounding counties. Main hazards include frequent lightning strikes, heavy rain capable of producing localized flash flooding, and winds strong enough to down tree limbs and power lines.
Rain and storms will begin moving into areas like Waukegan, Dekalb, and Ottawa as early as 1 p.m., intensifying by rush hour along the I-55 and I-80 corridors. Residents are urged to monitor road conditions, avoid flooded intersections, and charge mobile devices in case of power outages. Outdoor events and travel could be disrupted, with saturated ground increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
While storms are expected to gradually diminish by 11 p.m., isolated showers and lingering hazards may persist into early Thursday. More advisories are possible if rainfall rates increase or flooding becomes widespread. Stay tuned for further updates from the National Weather Service.
