Chicago, Illinois – Severe storms are set to target Illinois Saturday afternoon, bringing flash flooding and damaging winds to areas along and south of Interstate 80 between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Residents in Chicago, Joliet, and northwest Indiana should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions as torrential downpours threaten to flood roads and low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the greatest risk of severe weather will focus on communities from Joliet to Kankakee and along the I-80 corridor. Forecasters warn that repeated rounds of storms may lead to significant flooding, especially in fields, basements, and areas with poor drainage. Wind gusts strong enough to down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages are also possible.
Emergency managers urge drivers to avoid flooded roads and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially if you live near creeks, rivers, or flood-prone basements. Power up phones and devices ahead of time, and keep a flashlight ready in case of outages. The threat will peak late afternoon, but scattered storms could linger through the evening, so stay alert if you plan to travel.
Saturday’s storms follow a week of extreme heat and humidity across northern Illinois. More rounds of rain and storms are likely into next week, prolonging the risk of flooding and weather-related disruptions.
Further advisories are possible—stay tuned for real-time updates through the evening.
Five-Day Illinois Weather Snapshot:
- Tonight: Heavy thunderstorms, flash flooding risk. Lows 69–72°F.
- Saturday: Periodic storms, some severe with damaging winds and flooding. Highs 80–87°F.
- Sunday: Storms linger, hot and humid. Peak heat index 100–105°F. Highs 88–91°F.
- Monday: Very humid, storms possible. Peak heat index 105–110°F. Highs 91–94°F.
- Tuesday: Storms, humid. Peak heat index 95–105°F. Highs 88–92°F.
- Wednesday: Cooler with periodic storms. Highs 76–81°F.
Stay weather aware and check local alerts frequently through the weekend.
