Chicago, IL – Residents across northern Illinois should prepare for waves of severe thunderstorms expected to move in after midnight Tuesday, bringing threats of damaging hail, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the primary threats include large hail capable of denting vehicles and siding, localized wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph, and frequent lightning. These storms are forecast to track northeast at around 50 mph, with the most intense activity likely developing during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Areas west of Chicago, including Ottawa, Dixon, and DeKalb, are under a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat, while Cook County and surrounding suburbs are categorized as a Level 1. The timing and intensity of storms could vary, and updates are expected over the next 24 hours…