Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Chicago This Week

Multiple rounds of storms could bring tornadoes, large hail, and flooding to the area

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an approaching severe thunderstorm, with dark, ominous clouds looming over a flat, open expanse, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.As a powerful storm system approaches, the Chicago skyline is dwarfed by the overwhelming power of nature.Chicago Today

After storms rumbled through the Chicago area on Monday and Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service is warning of an enhanced risk of severe weather, including the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain that could lead to flooding. The severe weather threat is expected to peak on Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday, with additional rounds of storms possible later in the week.

Why it matters

Severe weather can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, as well as pose a threat to public safety. The Chicago area has experienced its fair share of extreme weather events in recent years, and residents will need to stay vigilant and prepared as this latest threat unfolds.

The details

According to the Storm Prediction Center, a wide swath of the Chicago area will be at an 'enhanced' risk of severe weather on Tuesday, with strong tornadoes and large hail possible in various locations. The main event for severe weather is expected to occur between 6-to-11 p.m. on Tuesday, with the epicenter potentially being the Chicago area north of Interstate 80. Forecasters are warning of the possibility of 'very large' hail of two inches or more in diameter, and the possibility of strong tornadoes, some of which could be EF-2 or higher on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Isolated severe storms may also continue into Wednesday morning, and another round of storms is possible on Wednesday afternoon and Friday.

  • On Monday and Tuesday morning, storms rumbled through the Chicago area.
  • On Tuesday afternoon, the first wave of storms could potentially occur in areas south of Interstate 80.
  • On Tuesday evening, the main event for severe weather is expected to occur between 6-to-11 p.m.
  • On Wednesday morning, rain could persist into the early morning hours with isolated severe storms possible.
  • On Wednesday afternoon, most of the Chicago area is at a 'marginal' risk of severe weather.

The players

Storm Prediction Center

A division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that provides forecasts and information about severe weather threats.

NBC 5 Storm Team

The weather forecasting team at NBC's Chicago affiliate, providing detailed information and predictions about the severe weather threat.

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What’s next

Residents in the Chicago area should closely monitor the weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop. The NBC 5 Storm Team will continue to provide updates on the evolving situation.

The takeaway

The severe weather threat in the Chicago area this week highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. Residents should stay informed, have a plan in place, and be ready to take action to protect themselves and their property if necessary.