Storms Could Bring Torrential Rain, Damaging Winds To Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — Thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Chicago area through Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

A flood watch has been issued for Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Lee, Ogle, DeKalb, DuPage, Cook, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, Livingston and Kankakee counties from 1 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon.

The weather service said several rounds of torrential rain-producing showers and thunderstorms are expected during this time period.

Showers and storms will develop across west-central Illinois then track eastward, while strengthening through mid-afternoon, according to the weather service.

Any storm east of Interstate 55 up to the southern Chicago metro area could produce damaging winds and flooding. These storms would be primarily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the weather service said.

In addition to storms, strengthening northeast winds and building waves on Lake Michigan will produce hazardous swim conditions. The high swim risk is expected on Thursday and Friday as well, according to the current forecast.

High waves of 5 to 9 feet are possible, causing hazardous boating conditions and life-threatening currents.

Here is a look at the daily forecast through the end of the week, per the weather service:

WEDNESDAY: Showers and thunderstorms before 3 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Temperature falling to around 76 by 3 p.m. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 7 p.m. Low around 64. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

THURSDAY: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. North northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

FRIDAY: Sunny, with a high near 76. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.