Chicago, Illinois – Severe thunderstorms capable of producing 70 mph winds, tornadoes, and hail larger than 2 inches could erupt across Illinois beginning around 4 p.m. Tuesday, threatening evening travel and utilities across the Chicago metro and much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, multiple waves of storms are expected to develop late Tuesday afternoon and continue through midnight, with the greatest coverage likely after 7 p.m. Forecasters say all severe hazards are possible, including damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding from torrential rain.
The most dangerous storms are expected south of Interstate 80, where atmospheric conditions may support strong tornadoes and destructive hail from areas near Kankakee and Pontiac toward central Illinois and northwest Indiana. North of I-80, including Chicago, Rockford, and the Interstate 94 corridor, the main threats shift to hail exceeding 2 inches in diameter and localized flooding.
Storms will move east-northeast around 30 to 40 mph, meaning conditions could deteriorate quickly during the evening commute. Downpours may overwhelm roads and drainage systems, especially in urban areas.
Residents should enable emergency alerts, monitor local warnings, and know their shelter location, particularly if storms develop rapidly after sunset.
The severe weather window remains 4 p.m. through about midnight Tuesday, though isolated storms could linger slightly longer as the system moves east.
