Chicago, Illinois – Isolated thunderstorms could disrupt travel across northern Illinois through 2 p.m. Tuesday, with lightning, torrential rainfall, and gusty winds expected in areas including Chicago, Rockford, and Kankakee.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, satellite imagery shows building cumulus clouds and two zones with elevated storm potential. The storms, if they develop, will track northeast at 30 mph, primarily impacting the areas highlighted in a yellow-dashed region on radar. Drivers should expect slowed travel due to soaking downpours and reduced visibility.
The strongest storms may produce wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs or moving unsecured outdoor items. Torrential rain could lead to temporary flooding on roads, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas from Peru to Rensselaer.
Residents should move indoors at the first sound of thunder and avoid driving through flooded roadways. Keep mobile devices charged in case of brief power disruptions and monitor local alerts through the afternoon.
This storm threat is expected to taper off by mid-afternoon, though additional storm development remains possible later this evening.
