Chicago, IL – Strong winds will sweep across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, prompting a Wind Advisory for multiple counties.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the advisory will remain in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. CDT Thursday. Areas including Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, and parts of northwest Indiana such as Gary and Valparaiso can expect northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Further south, including Kankakee, Livingston, and Jasper counties, gusts could reach 50 mph.
The NWS warns that these winds may cause unsecured objects to become airborne, down tree limbs, and lead to scattered power outages. Additionally, wind-whipped snow late Wednesday evening could create hazardous travel conditions, particularly due to reduced visibility.
Motorists, especially those in high-profile vehicles, should exercise caution on east-west roads where crosswinds could be dangerous. Residents are advised to secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and any loose objects that may be affected by strong gusts.
Wind speeds are expected to gradually decrease after sunrise Thursday, bringing relief to affected regions. For real-time updates and safety information, residents should monitor local weather alerts and advisories.
