Chicago, Illinois – Strong, fast-moving thunderstorms may develop across northern Illinois between 2 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, with damaging winds and heavy downpours threatening parts of the region during the afternoon commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, scattered storms will pop up across the area this afternoon, some producing gusts up to 60 mph, torrential rainfall, and frequent lightning. The storms will be highly localized, meaning some communities will see intense rain while others stay dry.
Residents in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties should remain weather-aware through the evening. Outdoor activities could be disrupted quickly, especially during peak storm hours. Drivers along I-290, I-90, and the Eisenhower Expressway should expect slick roads and reduced visibility where storms develop.
The flash flooding threat remains low but not zero, particularly in urban areas where downpours could overwhelm drains. The weather service advises moving indoors at the first sign of thunder and avoiding unnecessary travel during active storms.
Storms may redevelop overnight in some spots. A more widespread weather system is possible later this week.
