Starting at 6 p.m., the North Side could see severe thunderstorms along with large hail and strong winds.
That's according to the National Weather Service, which issued a hazardous weather outlook for the area. First categorized as a "moderate risk" of storms, the warning was upgraded to a "high risk" Wednesday afternoon.
Nearly a half-inch of rain is possible along with 75 mph winds.
Because of the predicted rain, the NWS has issued a flash flood watch from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. Thursday.
The forecast has prompted Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar to postpone his regularly-scheduled ward night. The new date is June 20 from 5 to 7:15 p.m.
Storms are expected to continue into Thursday morning.
Pawar also sent these precautions in an email to residents Wednesday:
- Never wade into a flooded basement unless all electricity has been disconnected (such as power that supplies sump pumps, freezers, etc.). Water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords.
- If you are experiencing a power outage, do not wade into a flooded basement. Power may be restored while you are in the flooded basement and the motors on appliances may be submerged.
- Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so.
- Never operate electrical appliances or devices or touch electrical switches, outlets or cords if you are standing in water or are on a wet surface, of if you are wet.
- Be aware of any electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water.
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