Chicago Braces for More Rain, Potential Severe Storms

Forecasters warn of heavy downpours, high winds, and flooding risk on Wednesday

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:07am

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A dramatic landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and gold, depicting the Chicago skyline shrouded by massive, foreboding storm clouds that dominate the frame, conveying the sense of the city's vulnerability to the power of an impending severe weather event.As a severe weather system approaches, the Chicago skyline is dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the storm clouds, underscoring the region's vulnerability to the forces of nature.Chicago Today

The Chicago area is expected to see another round of heavy rain and potentially severe storms on Wednesday, with the National Weather Service issuing a Level 2 risk for the entire region. Meteorologists predict waves of storms in the evening could bring strong winds, hail, and flooding, following a day of heavy rain and storms that caused damage across the north and northwest suburbs on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Severe weather events can pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and property in the Chicago metropolitan area. Advance warning allows residents and authorities to prepare and take appropriate precautions.

The details

According to ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist Tracy Butler, heavy downpours and isolated storms are expected to continue through Wednesday morning, with the afternoon bringing some dry hours before more storms in the evening. The evening storms could become severe, with the main threats being high winds, hail, and flooding. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Chicago area under a Level 2 risk for severe weather on Wednesday.

  • Heavy storms moved through the north and northwest suburbs late Tuesday night into the early morning hours.
  • More rain and storms are expected in the Chicago area on Wednesday.

The players

Tracy Butler

ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist who provided the weather forecast for the Chicago area.

Storm Prediction Center

The organization that issued a Level 2 risk for severe weather in the Chicago area on Wednesday.

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What they’re saying

“More rain and storms are in the forecast for the Chicago area Wednesday.”

— Tracy Butler, ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist

What’s next

Residents and authorities in the Chicago area should monitor the weather closely and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop on Wednesday.

The takeaway

The Chicago region is bracing for another round of potentially dangerous weather, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared for extreme conditions that can threaten public safety and property.