Dangerous storms headed for Chicago area late Thursday, tornadoes a risk
Dangerous storms could produce tornadoes in the Chicago area Thursday afternoon and evening.
The day began with cold, drenching rain before dawn, and periods of showers are possible throughout the day Thursday. Conditions will then become much more unstable Thursday afternoon and evening as warmer, more humid air surges in.
This setup will support the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, with threats including damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall, and a significant threat of tornadoes.
The highest risk will be during the afternoon and evening hours — specifically 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. — as a cold front moves through.
The greatest tornado risk sets up west and northwest of Chicago first, and then storms move east into the metro through the evening.
Before the storms even arrive, Thursday will be a very windy day. A wind advisory is also posted from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The greater Chicago area has already seen its fair share of severe storms this year. Just last month, the National Weather Service confirmed 12 tornadoes across Illinois and Indiana.
That figure includes the deadly EF-3 tornado that ripped through Kankakee, Illinois, and Lake Village, Indiana.
Tornadoes have always been an issue in the Chicago area, but activity has been intense in some recent years. In the summer of 2024, more than 30 tornadoes touched down across the Chicago area in one day.
The CBS News Chicago First Alert Weather team said conditions in the Midwest can change quickly this time of year, which is why days like Thursday are taken very seriously.
Other severe weather issues besides tornadoes have also caused problems this year. Already this spring, there has been flooding, as well as large that caused damage to homes and cars.
Roofing companies said they have seen a 200% increase in calls, and expect even more as severe weather season ramps up.
As to the rest of the week and the weekend, additional rounds of rain and storms are expected Friday into Saturday with another developing system, which could also lead to localized flooding concerns. By Sunday into early next week, drier and cooler weather is expected to return.
The White Sox home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays has also been canceled due to the weather Thursday. The game has been rescheduled for Friday afternoon, and anyone who paid for a ticket for parking can use it on Friday.
