While declining air quality from wildfire smoke remains a concern across the Chicago area, attention is shifting to the threat of severe storms. Gusty storms are expected on Saturday, with meteorologists warning of possible damaging winds, hail and heavy downpours.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Kankakee and Will counties in Illinois in addition to Lake, La Porte, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana until 7 p.m.
NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Pete Sack explained thunderstorms were expected to begin developing along a cold front at around noon, then begin moving southward at around 2 p.m…