Weather Alert: Severe thunderstorms ahead, heat index near 100 degrees
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Heat is building and storms are moving through the Chicago area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect for McHenry, Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties due to the storms, but has since expired. The National Weather Service said storms were producing 60-70 mph winds and nickel-sized hail.
Metra commuters can expect delays on the UP-North, UP-West and UP-Northwest lines. Inbound and outbound trains were temporarily halted around 9 a.m. due to high wind warnings, but moving again as of shortly after 10 a.m.
The FAA has issued a ground stop for arriving flights at O'Hare International Airport until 12:15 p.m. and for arriving flights at Midway International Airport until 11 a.m. due to the storms.
Storm damage, including downed trees, has been reported in Libertyville.
The first round of storms arrive in the morning hours and then taper off. The next round of storms develops in the evening.
The biggest threats will be wind damage from 70 miles per hour gusts and nickel-sized hail. Tornadoes are possible along with flooding.
Wednesday's high temperatures will be in the 90s with heat index values near 100 degrees.
Friday brings the next storm threat that will linger into early Saturday.
Weekend temperatures will be in the 80s.
