Tornado Watch Issued for Chicago Area

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The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of the Chicago area, including McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, and Kane counties, as severe thunderstorms are expected to bring the threat of strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds on Tuesday afternoon and evening. A flood watch is also in effect for northwest Indiana, and an Overflow Action Alert has been issued for the Chicago area, urging residents to conserve water.

Why it matters

Severe weather events like this can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as pose a serious threat to public safety. The tornado watch and other alerts are intended to give residents time to prepare and take shelter if necessary, as the storms could produce EF-2 or stronger tornadoes and hail larger than two inches in diameter.

The details

The National Weather Service has placed parts of the Chicago area at an 'enhanced risk' of severe weather on Tuesday, with the greatest threat north of Interstate 80. Dangerous tornadoes and large hail are possible, and the entire region is at risk of severe storms throughout the afternoon and evening hours.

• The tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
• The flood watch is also in effect for northwest Indiana on Tuesday.

What’s next

Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather conditions closely, have a plan in place to seek shelter if necessary, and heed any warnings or instructions from local authorities.