Chicago, Illinois – A line of thunderstorms moving in before sunrise could disrupt early morning travel across northern Illinois, with gusty winds and heavy rain arriving as early as 2 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, storms will track southeast out of southern Wisconsin overnight, reaching Rockford and DeKalb between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. before pushing into the Chicago metro area, including O’Hare and downtown, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. The overall severe threat remains low, but storms may still produce wind gusts strong enough to knock down small branches, along with brief heavy rainfall.
Key travel corridors including I-90, I-94, and I-88 could see reduced visibility and ponding on roadways during the early commute window. Areas near Joliet, Aurora, and northwest Indiana may see lingering showers as the system exits mid-morning.
While hail is expected to remain small, drivers should remain alert for sudden changes in conditions, especially during peak travel hours. Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and allow extra commute time.
Conditions improve later Tuesday morning, but additional updates may be issued if storm intensity changes overnight.
