Chicago Weather: Severe Storms Roll Through Area, Possible Tornado In Indiana

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago area was hit a wave of fast-moving strong storms--dropping large hail, downing trees and causing tornado-like damage in Indiana.

Damage consistent with a tornado was reported in Lowell, Indiana, around 1:50 p.m.

The severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service did not last very long however, as the storms quickly sweep through the area at 50 to 60 mph.

Along with those fast moving cells, wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, including at O'Hare International Airport.

A tornado watch was issued for most of the Chicago area, but was canceled shortly before 3 p.m.

A band of storms first swept through the area around 10:30 a.m. (radar image below)--with the heaviest storms in the southern suburbs. Rain was falling heavily in the Loop at 11:30 a.m. Hail, mostly in the pea-sized range, fell across the area.

Then, more storms moved into the area, starting around 1:30 p.m. That wave included the possible tornado in Lowell, that downed trees and power lines and damaged some homes.

Earlier, hail was reported by trained National Weather Service spotters in Willowbrook, Brookfield and Homewood. Another spotter reported downed tree limbs in the Pullman neighborhood. A wind advisory was in effect for the entire Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour were reported.

In Chicago, temperatures rose into the mid 60s today, but a cold front will sweep into the area on Friday, sending temps down into the 40s for the remainder of the seven-day forecast. Some snow is possible on Friday morning.

In:
• National Weather Service
• Severe Weather