Chicago, Illinois – Afternoon commuters across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana should brace for isolated thunderstorms with brief downpours and gusty winds through 4 p.m. CDT Wednesday. Slow-moving storms could lead to localized ponding on roads from Chicago to Aurora, Joliet, and Gary, making travel hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, spotty showers and storms will continue across the region, especially in areas near the lake breeze. The blue-shaded corridor on the latest weather map—covering much of the Chicago metro—faces the highest risk for frequent lightning and torrential rain, which could cause minor flooding. Non-severe storms may persist in these areas until around sunset.
City streets, highways, and suburban neighborhoods in Rockford, Waukegan, Aurora, Joliet, and into northwest Indiana should remain alert for sudden heavy rainfall and gusty winds up to 40 mph. Lightning will be a hazard in most storms, and brief periods of poor visibility are likely.
Residents are advised to move indoors if thunder is heard and to use extra caution when driving in heavy rain. Avoid flooded roadways, and keep mobile devices charged in case of power outages. Slow storm movement means downpours could linger over the same areas, a pattern similar to July storm events seen in recent years.
Showers should gradually taper after sunset, but additional advisories are possible if storms redevelop later tonight.
