Severe Storm Warning, Watch In Effect For Parts Of Chicago Area

ILLINOIS —Days before an expected 20-degree temperature drop, severe weather could hit the Chicago area.

A severe storm warning is in effect for northeastern Will, southeastern DuPage and southeastern Cook counties until 7:30 p.m.

Affected areas include Chicago, Naperville, Cicero, Hammond, Bolingbrook, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Romeoville, Calumet City, Woodridge, Chicago Heights, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, South Shore and Roseland.

Threats include wind gusts up to 60 mph and nickel-sized hail.

A severe storm watch was initially issued for Cook, Kane, McHenry, Kendall, Will, DuPage and Lake counties until 8 p.m. Authorities warned winds up to 65 mph are possible, along with ping pong ball-sized hail and frequent lightning.

By 6:30 p.m., the severe thunderstorm watch was only in effect for Will, Cook and DuPage counties until 8 p.m. Affected areas were Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, Chicago, Downers Grove, Evanston, Joliet, Lemont, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Park Forest, Schaumburg, Wheaton and Wilmington.

Temperatures will drop starting Wednesday night, dipping into the low 60s by Thursday and Friday.