Chicago, Ill. – A fast-moving cold front is expected to ignite a line of thunderstorms across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Saturday, with some storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts during the afternoon and early evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, thunderstorms are expected to develop between noon and 8 p.m. CDT as the cold front pushes across the region. While storms will move quickly and generally last only one to two hours at any given location, a few could become strong to severe.
The greatest concern is damaging straight-line winds capable of downing tree limbs and causing isolated power outages. The highest severe weather threat extends near and southeast of Interstate 55, where the Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of the region under a Level 2 of 5 (Slight Risk) for severe thunderstorms. Areas farther north and west, including much of the Chicago metro, remain under a Level 1 of 5 (Marginal Risk).
Communities including Chicago, Joliet, Kankakee, Elgin, DeKalb, Rockford, Ottawa, Pontiac, Waukegan and Gary, Indiana, should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. Storms are expected to move toward the southeast at around 35 mph, bringing brief periods of heavy rain, dangerous lightning and strong wind gusts.
Residents with outdoor plans Saturday should closely monitor the weather and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Secure loose outdoor items before storms arrive and move indoors immediately if thunder is heard. Additional severe thunderstorm watches or warnings could be issued as the cold front approaches and storms begin to strengthen.
