A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of the Chicago area, bringing the possibility of large hail, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes. The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Central time on Thursday, covering northeastern Illinois and all of northern Indiana. Specifically, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for certain counties in the region, with potential wind gusts of 60 miles per hour and quarter-size hail reported in some areas.
The areas impacted by the severe thunderstorm watch include Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, and Jasper counties in Indiana. While some counties have been removed from the watch, the threat of severe weather remains for a significant portion of the region. The storm is expected to bring scattered wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour and hail up to two and a half inches in diameter, with the potential for isolated tornadoes to develop.
As the storms move through the area, there is also a risk of heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, particularly in areas south of Interstate 80. The timing of the storms suggests an initial burst north of Interstate 80 between 3 and 7 p.m., with the possibility of storms spreading southward as the evening progresses. Residents are advised to stay alert and take precautions as the severe weather approaches and moves through the region.
