Residents in the Chicago area should brace themselves as potentially severe storms loom in the forecast for both Wednesday and Thursday, according to weather alerts.
Currently, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Kenosha, Walworth, and Racine counties in Wisconsin, set to last until 4 p.m. This warning signals the possibility of hazardous weather conditions in these regions.
Meanwhile, DeKalb, LaSalle, Kane, Kendall, and McHenry counties in Illinois are also under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, which is in effect until 3:45 p.m. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Additionally, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is active for McHenry, Boone, and Walworth counties until 3:15 p.m. The warning highlights the potential for severe weather and the importance of staying updated with local forecasts.
Beyond these immediate warnings, a broader Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued, anticipating storm development over a wider area. This watch includes DeKalb, McHenry, and Boone counties in Illinois and stretches into Wisconsin’s Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties until 7 p.m. Furthermore, for those in Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, Will, and Livingston counties in Illinois, as well as Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties in Indiana, this watch extends until 10 p.m. Residents should be prepared for potentially severe weather conditions throughout the evening.
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The Storm Prediction Center has most of the Chicago area under a Level 3 risk for severe storms for Wednesday and Thursday.
ABC7 meteorologists said the first round of storms is moving in during the afternoon. Butler said the storms will likely impact the northern suburbs.
Another wave is expected to move in during the evening, with a chance of strong wind gusts and thunderstorms after 9 p.m.
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Butler said the main threat from the storms will be damaging winds. Very heavy rain is also likely with any storms.
A cold front will move into the area during the day Thursday, likely in the later evening hours.
There is a risk of all severe weather hazards Thursday, including tornadoes.
Friday will have temperatures in the 80s with lower humidity.
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