Chicago, Illinois – A fast-moving line of thunderstorms could disrupt the Tuesday evening commute across the Midwest, with hail and damaging wind gusts developing by mid to late afternoon.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms is in place Tuesday across northern Illinois, northern Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio. Storms are expected to intensify after 3 p.m. and continue through the evening hours, with the greatest threat centered from Chicago to Detroit.
The I-90 and I-94 corridors, including Chicago, South Bend, Benton Harbor, Detroit, and Toledo, sit in a zone where storms may produce hail up to 1 inch in diameter and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. Cities like Fort Wayne and Lansing could also see strong storms, though coverage may be more scattered.
Heavy downpours could briefly reduce visibility below one mile, especially during peak travel hours. Localized ponding on roads is possible in urban areas with poor drainage.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and prepare for sudden weather changes late in the day. Drivers are urged to monitor conditions closely and avoid travel during the most intense storms if possible.
Storm chances taper off late Tuesday night, but additional rounds of unsettled weather may follow into midweek.
