Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — A threat of severe storms is possible Thursday afternoon and evening, including a risk of damaging winds, damaging hail, flash flooding and tornadoes, the National Weather Service said.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for most of northern Illinois until 8 p.m. Thursday, including Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.

The National Weather Service said the strongest storms will be capable of hail up to 2 inches in diameter and winds up to 75 mph.

The severe weather risk through 4 p.m. will be for areas mostly west and south of Chicago. The weather service said the severe weather risk will extend beyond 4 p.m., as shown in the graphic above.

Storms are expected to develop Thursday afternoon and evening. Repeated downpours may lead to flash flooding after sunset, mainly for areas south of Interstate 80, according to the weather service.

Conditions will be hot on Thursday, with a high near 90 degrees expected, according to the current forecast.