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Key Takeaways
- Severe thunderstorms with tornado potential are actively threatening the Chicago area today.
- A tornado watch is in effect until 6 p.m. across multiple counties including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
- Recent storms caused damage such as downed trees and roof damage, highlighting storm severity.
- Travel disruptions, including ground stops at Midway and O’Hare airports, are underway.
- Residents should stay alert, prepare emergency supplies, and monitor weather updates.
Table of Contents
What’s Happening?
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch, effective until 6 p.m. Monday, covering numerous counties including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will, among others. This watch signals that conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms — including damaging winds, quarter-sized hail, and importantly, tornadoes[1] [2].
Currently, storms are forming in northwest Indiana and pushing toward Chicagoland, with the greatest threats being wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail, tornadoes, and heavy rain[1] [2].
Impact on Travel and Safety
Severe weather has already prompted ground stops at both Midway and O’Hare airports, causing delays as officials prioritize safety during the storms[2].
Residents should remain alert to weather updates due to the possibility of quick storm development and damaging winds. Precautionary recommendations include:
- Preparing emergency supplies and knowing safe shelter locations
- Conserving water to reduce strain on sewer systems and prevent flooding, as local reservoirs like McCook are near capacity[2]
- Avoiding travel if possible, especially during storm activity
Recent Severe Weather Context
This dangerous weather follows severe thunderstorms over the weekend that caused significant damage, such as a microburst in Mount Prospect ripping off an apartment roof and downing trees[2]. This underscores the potential severity of today’s storms.
What’s Next?
The storm threat is expected to subside by evening, with drier, more comfortable weather arriving Tuesday and midweek. Temperatures will remain in the mid-80s with decreasing humidity and increasing sunshine by Wednesday and Thursday, when highs reach the low 80s[1].
FAQ
What should residents do to stay safe during this severe weather?
Residents should stay informed through weather alerts from the National Weather Service and local news sources. Have a plan in place to seek shelter quickly if warnings escalate, and avoid travel during storm activity. Prepare emergency supplies and know safe shelter locations.
Will the tornado threat escalate or diminish later today?
The threat is expected to lessen by evening as conditions stabilize, but residents should stay alert for rapid storm development and changing weather warnings.