Tornado Watch Issued for Chicago-Area Counties

Severe storms threaten region with potential tornadoes, destructive winds, and large hail

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A tornado watch has been issued for several counties in the Chicago area and northwest Indiana as a burst of severe weather moves through the region on Tuesday. The watch covers Grundy, LaSalle, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Jasper and Newton counties in Indiana, and is in effect until 11 p.m. The storms are expected to bring the risk of tornadoes, destructive winds, and large hail.

Why it matters

The Chicago area is facing a heightened risk of severe weather, with the Storm Prediction Center placing parts of the region under a "moderate" risk level, which is rarely issued for this area. This indicates the potential for intense tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, posing a significant threat to public safety.

The details

The severe weather threat is expected to last through at least 10 p.m., with the greatest risk for tornadoes and other severe conditions in the southern and western parts of the Chicago metro area. Storms are expected to develop over the next few hours, becoming more widespread by 6-7 p.m. and numerous by 8-9 p.m. before the threat diminishes around midnight.

  • The tornado watch was issued until 11 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • A tornado warning was issued for Livingston County until 5:30 p.m., with the storm expected to reach Dwight at 5:02 p.m., Mazon at 5:21 p.m., Braidwood at 5:41 p.m., Channahon at 6:02 p.m., and Joliet at 6:24 p.m.
  • Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of Cook, DuPage, Will, and Kankakee counties until 6 p.m.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

The organization that issued the heightened risk levels for severe weather in the Chicago area.

Iisha Scott

NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist who was tracking the storm system and providing updates.

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What they’re saying

“A supercell is an often-dangerous thunderstorm with a very organized internal structure including a rotating updraft that allows it to keep going for up to several hours.”

— National Weather Service (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The tornado threat is expected to last through at least 10 p.m. for most locations but could extend later across northwest Indiana. Residents in the affected areas should continue to monitor weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.

The takeaway

The severe weather threat in the Chicago area is a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. Residents should stay vigilant, heed weather warnings, and have a plan in place to seek shelter if tornadoes or other dangerous conditions develop.