Severe Storms, Tornadoes Threaten Northern Illinois

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The National Weather Service has placed much of northern Illinois under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather on Thursday, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected throughout the day. The greatest concern is between 4 and 9 p.m., when conditions may support supercells capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes, especially in areas along and west of Interstate 39.

Why it matters

Severe storms and tornadoes can cause significant property damage, power outages, and even loss of life. This threat is especially concerning given the fast-moving nature of the storms, which will reduce warning times for residents to take shelter.

The details

Storms will be moving very quickly, at speeds up to 60 mph, which will significantly reduce warning times. Residents are urged to have a plan in place and be ready to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued. Outside of thunderstorms, strong southerly winds will develop during the afternoon, with gusts of 45 to 50 mph expected across much of the region. Heavy rainfall is also a concern, with widespread totals of 1 to 4 inches or more possible over the next 48 hours.

• The first window for severe weather is from about noon to 4 p.m., when isolated severe storms may develop.
• The more significant threat is expected between 4 and 9 p.m., when conditions may support supercells capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes.
• A wind advisory is in effect through early evening on Thursday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Additional chances for severe weather continue Friday and possibly Saturday before a cooler, quieter pattern settles into the region early next week.