The Chicago area is facing a critical weather emergency as two rounds of severe storms move in from the west this Friday evening. These systems bring a dangerous combination of potential tornadoes, large hail and straight-line winds reaching up to 70 miles per hour.
Emergency Warnings and Aviation Disruptions
A broad Tornado Watch is currently in effect until 11 p.m. For numerous Illinois counties, including Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Ford, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, Iroquois, Livingston, and Will. The watch also extends into Indiana, covering Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties.
More immediate threats have triggered Tornado Warnings until 10:15 p.m. For Ford, Iroquois, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Livingston, and Will counties. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are active for several areas, with some extending until 10:45 p.m. For Cook, Will, Iroquois, and Kankakee counties.
The severity of the weather has already disrupted regional travel. A ground stop was implemented at O’Hare International Airport until 10:45 p.m. Due to the ongoing storms.
Initial Impacts and Reported Damage
The first round of storms traversed northwestern Illinois before veering north into Wisconsin. Despite missing the immediate Chicago area, this initial wave caused significant damage in other regions.
A tornado was reported in Lena, Illinois, approximately 47 miles west of Rockford. The tornado reportedly struck both a high school and an elementary school while students were still inside the buildings.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to avoid the Lena area due to intensive storm damage. Meanwhile, residents in Machesney Park, located in Winnebago County, reported sightings of funnel clouds during the first round of storms.
Forecast for the Second Wave
A second, more organized line of storms is expected to impact the entire Chicago area starting around 8 p.m. And lasting for several hours. These storms may produce straight-line winds of up to 70 mph and are expected to taper off by midnight.
Meteorological data suggests the highest risk for tornadoes during this second round will be in the western suburbs between 8 p.m. And 10 p.m. This line of storms could result in severe wind damage, brief spin-up tornadoes, and hail.
Flooding Risks and Infrastructure Preparedness
Heavy rainfall is a major concern, with forecasts predicting between one and three inches of rain. This additional precipitation may further inundate already-soaked ground, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire Chicago area until 5 a.m. Saturday. A Flash Flood Warning remains active until 2 a.m. Saturday for Boone, Lake, and McHenry counties.
The situation is particularly precarious for communities along the Des Plaines and Fox rivers, where water levels are already high. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for areas along the Fox River until further notice.
ComEd has stated it is taking proactive measures by assessing conditions and staging crews to respond to potential power outages caused by high winds. Residents are warned to never approach downed power lines, which should be assumed to be live and dangerous.
To report outages, ComEd advises texting OUT to 26233 or calling 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661). Spanish-speaking customers may call 1-800-95-luces (1-800-955-8237).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the second round of storms expected to arrive?
The second round of storms is expected to arrive in the Chicago area around 8 p.m. And is forecast to last for several hours, tapering off by midnight.
Which areas are under a Flash Flood Warning?
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday for Boone, Lake, and McHenry counties.
What is the risk for the western suburbs?
The western suburbs face the highest risk for tornadoes during the second round of storms, specifically between 8 p.m. And 10 p.m.
How are you and your family preparing for the expected arrival of these severe storms?
