Wind Advisory For Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — A tornado watch was issued until midnight for multiple counties in the Chicago area, the National Weather Service said, and a wind advisory was in place until 2 a.m. for McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, Will and Cook counties.

The National Weather Service was warning of southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, adding, "Numerous reports of tree limbs down and power outages have been reported across northeast Illinois this evening."

Affected areas under the tornado watch in northeast Illinois were Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties, including the cities of Algonquin, Aurora, Crystal Lake, DeKalb, McHenry, Oswego, Plano and Yorkville. In north central Illinois, Boone, DeKalb, La Salle, Lee, Ogle and Winnebago counties were under the tornado watch as well.

NWS warned residents of the possibility of "potentially dangerous storms" Tuesday evening, with a chance for damaging winds up to 75 mph and potential tornadoes.

The largest threat of severe weather is expected through 9 p.m. Storm coverage may decrease as the severe weather moves eastward, but the potential for damaging winds remains until the storms exit the Chicago area after midnight, NWS said.

The weather service urged residents to be prepared for nighttime tornadoes, with access to a NOAA weather radio and cell phones charged and turned on, as well as a flashlight and shoes nearby.

"With the potential for severe thunderstorms late into the night tonight, make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, including at least a couple that will wake you up if needed," the weather service said. "DO NOT rely on outdoor sirens to alert you indoors, especially while you’re asleep!"