Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois could face sudden crosswinds and dangerous storms within hours, as 50 mph gusts and a tornado threat build toward the late afternoon commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. for northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, with southwest wind gusts reaching 45 to 50 mph. The strongest winds are expected during the afternoon, especially along and south of I-80, creating hazardous travel for high-profile vehicles and the risk of scattered power outages.
By mid to late afternoon, conditions shift rapidly. Several waves of thunderstorms are expected, with the most intense activity between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. The highest tornado potential is focused along and west of Interstate 39, including areas near Rockford, DeKalb, and Ottawa. Storms may also produce wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter.
In Chicago, Joliet, and surrounding suburbs, storms may arrive closer to the evening commute, bringing reduced visibility and localized street flooding. Emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor objects now and ensure multiple ways to receive warnings, especially as storms move northeast at up to 55 mph.
The severe threat may linger into the evening before tapering overnight, but additional rounds of storms are expected into Saturday morning.
Five Day Forecast for Chicago, Illinois:
Today: Severe storms, windy, high 67–74, low 40–58
Friday: Evening storms, high 51–76, low 39–57
Saturday: Morning showers, breezy, high 56–65, low 32–36
Sunday: Partly cloudy, breezy, high 48–52, low 33–37
Monday: Partly cloudy, high 50–58, low 27–34
