Will severe weather impact Chicago's St. Patrick's Day festivities? Our meteorologist weighs in.
As Chicagoans prepare to celebrate St. Patrick's Day events across the city, the threat of severe weather, including potentially damaging winds, will arrive Friday night.
How will this affect the festivities this weekend? CBS Chicago Meteorologist Ed Curran says the only thing to worry about is the wind.
A wind advisory is in effect on Friday for winds reaching over 45 miles per hour. The risk of severe weather, bringing thunderstorms, winds of over 70 miles per hour, and potential tornadoes, will increase Friday night with an enhanced threat southwest of Chicago between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
The Chicago area will remain in alert mode on Saturday, with high winds expected to bring gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. Those looking to attend outdoor activities, especially with tents or floats, may have their hands full — including the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown.
Saturday's weather for St. Patrick's Day events comes as a surprise to some people
The weather may cause a concern for the big crowds expected for those St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
The party had already started in some places, but not everyone was paying attention to the forecast.
"I feel like St. Patrick's Day here is kind of unmatched," said visitor Dana Searles. "We actually had to go buy t-shirts because we bundled up to come outside, and then it was beautiful out."
There's no divide on Division Street when it comes to how people feel about the weather.
"It's perfect now here," Kohler Smith said.
The feeling was mutual at the Lodge and Butch McGuire's.
"I don't think that anything will deter me from going out," Shane Duggan said.
"I think your attitude can beat the weather any day of the week," Smith said.
But what about high winds?
"Is it going to be super windy tomorrow? Uh oh," Searles said.
A high wind warning is in effect until noon on Saturday, with gusts that could top 60 miles per hour. Chicago Office of Emergency Management says it's monitoring conditions.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade and the traditional dyeing of the river will continue. The festival on Division Street, which will include tents and a stage, will also continue.
Bobby Mcguire, owner of Butch Mcguire's, has a few St. Patrick's Day celebrations under his belt. He's seen it all.
"Everything. From snowstorms to days like this and everything in between," he said.
Wind, rain, or shine, Division Street unites in celebration.
"People are going to come out no matter what," McGuire said.
Planned festivities for St. Patrick's Day weekend
While the weather may impact some people's plans, there are still plenty of festivities planned this weekend. Every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, the Chicago River is dyed green. The dyeing of the river will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the city's downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, launching at the intersection of Columbus and Balbo drives in Grant Park.
Winds will subside Saturday into Sunday morning, just in time for the South Side Irish Parade in the Beverly/Morgan Park community.
