Tornadoes, Hail Possible In 'Waves Of Storms': When It Could Hit IL

ILLINOIS — The National Weather Service is warning residents to have multiple ways to get severe weather warnings as waves of thunderstorms are poised to hit the Chicago area.

Some storms could be severe, especially in the afternoon, but the National Weather Service said uncertainty remains on how far north the afternoon storms could be. Morning storms could impact severe weather potential this afternoon, especially near and north of I-55, NWS said, as any clearing could lift the threat back north.

The agency said there the severe weather threat is a level 3 out of 5 for the Chicago area.

After mid-morning storms, another line of storms is possible between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with up to 1-inch hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Storms could bring damaging winds, lightning strikes, downpours, large hail and potentially tornadoes, with the main threat between 1 and 7 p.m. The greatest potential for severe storms is southeast of I-55, the NWS said.

An "active spring weather pattern" with chances for storms and showers expected through the end of the week, and cooler temperatures with highs in the low 50s and 60s. Thursday is expected to bring chances of showers south of I-80.

Rain and storms are also possible Friday and Saturday.