Chicago, Illinois – Severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across much of northern Illinois this afternoon and evening, with the National Weather Service warning of damaging winds up to 60 mph, torrential rainfall, and localized flooding. The storms will primarily impact areas south of a Mendota-to-Waukegan line, posing a heightened risk for Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake counties, which remain under a Flood Watch until midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, storms will begin to intensify after 1 p.m. and continue into the early morning hours Wednesday, moving northeast at 20 to 30 mph. The most dangerous cells could produce downed trees and power outages, along with rapid stream rises in flood-prone areas. Lightning strikes and gusty winds will be widespread across the storm zone.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and use caution on highways such as I-57 and I-55, where visibility could drop quickly in heavy downpours. Residents should stay indoors when thunder is heard and keep devices charged in case of outages.
Warnings and advisories are likely to be updated through the evening as the system progresses.
