Chicago Weather Radar: Tracking Severe Storms & Potential Tornadoes
Chicago and surrounding areas are bracing for multiple rounds of severe weather, stretching from Tuesday into Wednesday. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as a Level 3 risk for severe storms covers most of the region. The primary threats include damaging hail and strong winds, with a concerning possibility of tornadoes.
Current Alerts & Warnings (as of 11:00 PM Tuesday)
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: In effect for Cook and DuPage counties until 11:15 PM.
- Tornado Watch: Active for Cook, DuPage, and Lake (Illinois) counties until midnight Wednesday.
- Tornado Watch: Extended to La Porte County until 3:00 AM Wednesday.
- Flash Flood Warning: Cook and DuPage counties are under a Flash Flood Warning until 3:45 AM Wednesday.
- Flood Warning: Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties (Illinois) are under a Flood Warning until 4:45 AM Wednesday.
- Flood Watch: A Flood Watch is in effect for much of the Chicago area until 6:00 AM Wednesday.
- O’Hare Airport Ground Stop: A ground stop is currently in place at O’Hare International Airport until approximately 11:45 PM, causing significant delays.
Airport Impacts & Travel Disruptions
O’Hare Airport is experiencing delays of approximately 30 minutes. As of 11:00 PM Tuesday, 62 flights have been canceled. Travelers are strongly advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status before heading to the airport. You can find real-time flight information on the O’Hare International Airport website.
Storm Reports & Observations
Earlier Tuesday evening, tornado warnings were issued for southern Wisconsin but have since expired. A powerful line of storms moved into the far northwest suburbs around 9:00 PM. Reports indicate:
- Elkhorn: A dark, ominous storm cloud was observed.
- Crystal Lake: Moderate rainfall was reported.
- Huntley: Frequent and intense lightning strikes were witnessed.
- Route 47 (North of Woodstock): Heavy rainfall slowed down traffic, with water pooling on the roadways.
Morning storms cleared out mid-morning Tuesday, providing a brief respite before the next wave of severe weather.
Wednesday’s Forecast & Risk Levels
The risk of severe weather continues into Wednesday. The city of Chicago and its north and west suburbs are under a Level 2 risk, while the south suburbs and northwest Indiana are at a Level 1. The primary concern on Wednesday shifts towards strong winds, although the threat of tornadoes remains possible. Stay tuned to your local news and the National Weather Service for the latest updates.
Stay Safe & Prepared
During severe weather, remember to:
- Seek shelter indoors.
- Stay away from windows.
- Monitor weather updates from reliable sources.
- If driving, pull over to a safe location and wait out the storm.
