CHICAGO — Showers and thunderstorms moving toward northern Illinois Wednesday morning are tracking farther north than expected. Some storms on the southern end of the system have already turned severe, with damaging winds reported near the Quad Cities. The rain is expected to reach Chicagoland around noon, and the strongest storms should stay near and south of the Interstate 80 corridor.
Severe Storms Flare Near the Quad Cities
As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the most intense activity was concentrated around Davenport and areas just east along the Mississippi River. Severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for parts of the region as storms produced damaging wind gusts. Frequent lightning was also seen along the southern edge of the line.
Behind the strongest cells, a wide area of moderate to heavy rain covered eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois. Heavier bands stretched from near Dubuque toward the Rockford area, with lighter rain spreading farther east. The overall system was moving steadily east toward the Chicago metro area.
Rain Reaches Chicagoland Around Midday
The leading edge of the rain had already reached parts of Rockford, Janesville and Beloit by mid-morning. Light showers were also starting to show up around Arlington Heights, Waukegan and Kenosha. Steadier rain and embedded thunderstorms are expected to reach Chicago, Bolingbrook and Joliet around noon.
Commuters heading out for lunch or early afternoon errands should expect wet roads and lower visibility. Ponding on roadways and slower traffic on major expressways are likely as the heavier rain moves through. Lightning could also briefly pause outdoor activities across the metro area.
Strongest Storms Stay Along and South of I-80
Any stronger thunderstorms are expected to stay near and south of the I-80 corridor as the system moves east. Communities around Joliet and points south should watch most closely for gusty winds and brief downpours. Areas farther north, closer to the Wisconsin border, are more likely to see mostly rain and occasional thunder…