Parts of Chicago’s south suburbs and northwest Indiana are currently under a Tornado Watch as severe weather conditions develop this evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings that lasting until late tonight, with storms capable of producing strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
Severe storms started moving into the region in the late afternoon and are expected to continue through early Wednesday morning. Areas south of Interstate 80 are at the greatest risk for all severe weather hazards, including intense tornadoes that may remain on the ground for extended distances. Northern areas mainly face threats of large hail and flooding.
Severe Weather Alerts and Current Conditions
- Tornado warnings remain active for Livingston County, where a thunderstorm capable of generating a tornado was reported near Pontiac. Residents were advised to seek shelter immediately.
- Additional severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for multiple counties including Kankakee, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, LaSalle, and Iroquois, with hail sizes ranging from ping-pong balls to tennis balls.
- Midway Airport issued a ground stop until 6:30 p.m. CDT due to storm activity impacting the airspace around Chicago.
The NWS reports hail sizes up to 2 inches in diameter, with some areas experiencing hail close to the size of golf balls and tennis balls. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph are also expected, increasing the potential for widespread damage.
Storm Prediction Center Risk Assessment
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) upgraded the severe weather risk to a Moderate Risk (Level 4 out of 5) for parts of southern Chicagoland. This level of alert is rarely issued and indicates a heightened possibility of significant severe weather events. Tornado probabilities in certain zones are between 15% and 29%, substantially higher than the usual 2%-5%.
Forecasters emphasize the importance of preparedness, urging residents to have multiple sources for severe weather alerts. Knowing the nearest shelter location can help save lives if tornado warnings are issued.
Safety Recommendations During Severe Weather
The National Weather Service provides the following safety steps for individuals caught in severe weather:
- If driving during a hailstorm, pull over safely and point the vehicle into the wind to protect the windshield.
- Avoid parking under freeway overpasses as they can funnel traffic and create hazards.
- Seek shelter in a sturdy building away from windows and glass.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio or smartphone app to receive real-time updates.
What to Expect Next
Weather conditions begin to improve by Wednesday, but temperatures will drop, with highs in the 40s. There is a chance that rain could mix with snow, especially in areas north of Chicago.
Thursday is expected to be sunnier with highs in the upper 40s, although gusty winds may develop later in the day, along with another chance of rain. The following day, Friday will see partly sunny skies and mild temperatures near 50 degrees.
Looking toward the weekend, clouds will increase, with highs near 50. Rain showers are possible Saturday afternoon and night, with the chance of a rain-snow mix by Sunday. Early next week will turn colder with highs falling into the upper 20s.
Residents in the Chicago south suburbs and northwest Indiana should stay alert through the evening hours as severe weather continues to challenge safety and mobility in the region. Monitoring local weather sources and heeding official warnings remain critical to minimizing risks from this severe weather event.
The information in this update is based on data from the National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center, and FOX Chicago meteorologists Emily Wahls and Mike Caplan.
Read more at: www.fox32chicago.com