Chicago, Illinois – Damaging winds and large hail could batter parts of northern Illinois Friday afternoon as scattered severe thunderstorms move through the region, especially southeast of the Pontiac-to-Valparaiso line.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the storm threat runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, with the greatest impacts expected in Kankakee, Paxton, Rensselaer, and surrounding communities. Some of the strongest storms could bring wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail large enough to dent vehicles and damage siding. Tree limbs may be downed in several areas, increasing the risk of power outages.
Windy conditions are expected tonight as storms push northeastward at 50–55 mph. Cooler, drier air will settle in this weekend, with highs ranging from the low 60s near Lake Michigan to mid-70s inland. Breezy but dry weather is expected Saturday, with lows dipping into the 40s.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive warnings and avoid unnecessary travel until storms move out later this evening. The next chance for storms returns Monday night into Tuesday, with rain chances as high as 70%.
Warnings remain in effect until 10 p.m. Friday. More updates will follow if conditions worsen.
