Severe Storms Threaten Chicago Today

Damaging winds, hail, and tornado risk as storms move in

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:03am

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A dramatic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, showing a massive, swirling storm system dominating the skyline of Chicago in the distance, conveying the overwhelming scale and sublime power of the approaching weather.A looming storm system threatens to unleash its fury on the city of Chicago, underscoring the raw power of nature in the face of the urban landscape.Chicago Today

Severe thunderstorms are expected to move into the Chicago area this afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and even isolated tornadoes. The storms follow a round of gusty winds, heavy rain, and small hail earlier this morning.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose a significant threat to public safety, property, and transportation in the Chicago region. Residents and travelers need to be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Chicago metro area, with storms expected to intensify this afternoon. Forecasters warn all severe weather hazards are possible, including tornadoes, large hail up to golf ball size, and damaging winds over 60 mph. A ground stop was already issued at O'Hare Airport this morning due to the initial round of storms.

  • Storms moved into the Chicago area from Wisconsin early this morning around 6 a.m.
  • The severe weather threat is expected to ramp up again this afternoon and continue into the evening hours.
  • Storms are likely to continue through midweek before calmer conditions arrive by the weekend.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather watches, warnings, and forecasts for the Chicago region.

Kaitlin Cody

A meteorologist for Fox Chicago who provided details on the severe storm threat.

Federal Aviation Administration

The federal agency that issued a ground stop at O'Hare Airport due to the initial round of storms this morning.

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What they’re saying

“Be weather ready this afternoon into tonight — tornadoes, hail and damaging wind are all on the table.”

— Kaitlin Cody, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and issue any necessary severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings for the Chicago area.

The takeaway

Residents and travelers in the Chicago region should closely monitor the weather forecast and be prepared to seek shelter if severe storms develop, as the threat of damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes is elevated this afternoon and evening.