Dust Storm Warning Issued, Severe Storms Possible For Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — A dust storm warning was issued for Cook, Grundy, DeKalb, Kendall, Kankakee, La Salle and Will counties Friday, effective until 8:30 p.m.

"At 5:58 p.m., a wall of dust was along a line extending from near Ottawa, IL to near Wheatfield, IN, moving north at 50 mph," the National Weather Service said. Motorists could face less than a quarter mile visibility with strong winds in excess of 50 mph, as well as "dangerous, life-threatening travel.

Areas under the warning include Palos, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Crestwood and other communities, as well as venues including Sandwich Fairgrounds, University of St. Francis, Thunderbolts Field, Joliet Junior College, Joliet Slammers Baseball, Lewis University and more, NWS said.

"Motorists should not drive into a dust storm. PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE," drivers were warned.

A wind advisory was also in effect for Will, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties until midnight.

NWS offered this guidance: "Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay

indoors. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park."

After the threat of tornadoes on Thursday, summer-like temperatures and a severe weather threat were possible on Friday, before temps cool for the rest of the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered severe storms are possible late Friday afternoon into early evening, mainly for areas along and east of Interstate 55, the weather service said. The main severe threats are large hail and damaging winds.

Storms are most likely between 4 and 10 p.m. Friday.

There is also a fire weather watch in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through the evening.

"Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended," the weather service said.

The high for Saturday is 68, and the high on Sunday is 71 degrees.

By Monday, temperatures will begin to drop, with a high of 63. Tuesday's high is expected to be around 60 degrees, with chances of showers and storms.

"Quieter conditions arrive this weekend, but renewed shower and storm chances return at times next week," the weather service said.

Here's a look at the day-by-day forecast:

• Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Windy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
• Friday night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a west wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
• Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
• Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
• Monday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Monday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
• Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.