Chicago, IL – Two rounds of thunderstorms are expected to impact northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana from late Thursday night through Friday night, potentially bringing damaging winds and hail.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, isolated to scattered storms may begin to develop between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. CDT Friday, primarily affecting areas north of I-80, including Rockford, Elgin, Waukegan, Joliet, and Valparaiso. These early storms are forecast to be isolated in nature but may still pose a risk.
A stronger window of storm activity is likely between 7 p.m. Friday and midnight Saturday, with a greater threat for severe weather across the same region. During this period, storms are expected to become more numerous and could produce damaging wind gusts and hail.
Daytime conditions on Friday will be warm, dry, and breezy ahead of the evening storms. Residents are urged to monitor weather alerts and ensure they have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Prepare for potential power outages, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid travel during peak storm windows if possible. While the overall severe threat remains at a Level 2 out of 5, any storm could become dangerous rapidly.
