Severe Storms Threaten Chicago Overnight

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The Chicago area is bracing for a round of potentially severe thunderstorms overnight, with the National Weather Service warning of the possibility of dangerous wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding. The storms are expected to arrive after 2 a.m. and continue through daybreak on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose a serious threat to public safety, causing power outages, property damage, and even loss of life. The Chicago area has seen its share of powerful storms in recent years, underscoring the importance of residents being prepared and heeding weather warnings.

The details

According to the Storm Prediction Center, the entire Chicago area remains at a 'slight' risk of severe weather overnight, the second of five levels the SPC uses to determine the likelihood of powerful storms. Those thunderstorms could potentially sink south out of Wisconsin, where a tornado watch has been in effect for most of the day. Storms could bring strong wind gusts, with forecast models showing a 'bowing' effect in some of the lines of storms, which could indicate powerful winds out of the north. There is also a chance the storms could spin up an isolated tornado or two.

• Storms could begin arriving any time after 2 a.m. Tuesday and continue until daybreak.
• Parts of the Chicago area north of Interstate 80 are at an 'enhanced' risk of severe weather Tuesday, with the rest of the area at the 'slight' risk category.
• Late Friday another series of storms could develop, with a severe thunderstorm risk returning to the forecast on Saturday.

What’s next

Residents are urged to closely monitor weather forecasts and have a plan in place to receive severe weather alerts, such as through a weather radio or mobile app. The NBC 5 Storm Team will continue to provide updates on the developing situation.