Chicago, Illinois – A wave of strong afternoon and evening thunderstorms is expected to impact much of northern Illinois Tuesday, with the most intense activity threatening the Chicago area between 2 and 11 p.m. Damaging winds and torrential rainfall could lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and on roadways during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered storms will develop along a frontal boundary and may produce frequent lightning, wind gusts strong enough to down tree limbs, and localized downpours capable of overwhelming storm drains. The severe weather threat level is marked at 2 out of 5, while the flooding threat is at a moderate 3.
Residents in Cook, Lake, DuPage, and surrounding counties should monitor alerts and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Urban flooding is possible, particularly near underpasses, basements, and creeks. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and allow extra travel time after 3 p.m.
Conditions may rapidly intensify in localized pockets. Storms are expected to move northeast at around 30 mph. Updates will continue as the system evolves through the evening.
