Chicago to be hit by severe storms by Tuesday afternoon and even hours

Chicago, Ill. – Tuesday afternoon, a system capable of bringing severe storms inched its way toward the Chicago area, prompting many bordering counties to issue warnings.

Just before 4 p.m., severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Winnebago and Boone counties near the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, urging citizens to take shelter. The warnings are valid until at least 4:45 p.m.

The storms were capable of delivering hail the size of golf balls and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph.

“Move to an inside room on the lowest floor of a building for your safety,” the National Weather Service said.

Particularly in northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border, isolated thunderstorms were probable, with destructive winds and hail being the primary dangers.

Tuesday evening, though, storms may continue to move into portions of the Chicago metropolitan region. Near and south of Interstate 80, forecasters projected a low danger for thunderstorms.

As late-season heat reaches the region, bringing temperatures above 90 degrees for some, the storms arrive. The storm system ushered in an earlier lake wind in northern regions, which were significantly cooler.