Flood Watch in effect for Chicago area
There are more thunderstorms and rain in the forecast Wednesday, but a cold front has pushed the risk of strong tornadoes south. The entire Chicago area is under a Flood Watch.
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Laura Bannon is the weekday morning meteorologist. A native of Chicagoland, Laura grew up in Naperville. She is an Emmy-nominated meteorologist and holds her NWA Seal of Approval.
Upon graduating Neuqua Valley High, Laura attended the University of Missouri. While completing a degree in communication at Mizzou, Laura attended Mississippi State University distance program and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Geosciences.
In college, Laura landed her first on air job in Jefferson City, Missouri. Laura worked weekends at KRCG her senior year and secured her first full time broadcasting job at WBBJ in Jackson, Tennessee. From there, Laura went on to serve on weather teams in Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; Nashville; and currently Chicago, experiencing a variety of severe weather markets across the country.
Laura has covered many severe weather outbreaks. One weather event she'll never forget is the 2020 Nashville tornado. Laura was the meteorologist on duty when an EF-3 tornado ripped through downtown Nashville, killing 24 people. Laura and her team were nominated for a 2020 Emmy in the Breaking News category for their extensive coverage.
Along with the weather, one of Laura's passions is helping others with disabilities. In each of her residencies, she has volunteered at therapeutic horseback riding centers. An equestrian since a young girl, Laura uses her knowledge to assist children with physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities learn how to ride horses. She has found it to be a life-changing experience working one on one with these children and watching their progress week after week.
After work, Laura enjoys working out, going to the gym daily, training for Cross Fit events and taking long walks outside.
There are more thunderstorms and rain in the forecast Wednesday, but a cold front has pushed the risk of strong tornadoes south. The entire Chicago area is under a Flood Watch.
The Chicago area was pounded by severe storms for hours on Thursday afternoon and evening, with multiple reports of tornado damage stretching from the southwest suburbs to northwest Indiana.
Cleanup is underway after a line of storms raced east through the suburbs and into the city at 70 to 80 miles per hour on Wednesday, and another round of severe storms is heading in Thursday afternoon and evening.
Two rounds of swift but strong thunderstorms blew through Chicago Monday morning and afternoon, toppling a small plane at Midway Airport and leaving some power outages and damage in their wake.
The National Weather Service issued Blowing Dust Advisory for parts of the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana Monday.
High winds left damage, including downed trees and power lines, leaving hundreds without power on Monday night.
Two rounds of storms that brought heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 70 mph blew through the Chicago area on Thursday.
Severe thunderstorms swept through the Chicago area on Tuesday morning, and more may be coming in the afternoon and evening.
Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings have been issued as a line of potentially severe storms raced into the Chicago area Thursday afternoon.
Winter weather slammed the Chicago area early Monday morning, with blizzard warnings in effect for some outlying areas.
Strong wind gusts tore through the Chicago area on Friday, knocking out power to thousands, taking down trees, and even tearing the roof off of a north suburban school.
Two people died after tornado touchdowns in Kankakee, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana on Tuesday night. So far, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 in Jasper County and an EF-3 in Aroma Park.
Emergency crews are assessing damage after a tornado touched down, damaging homes in Kankakee, Illinois, amid an outbreak of severe weather.
Two rounds of storms are hitting the Chicago area on Friday. Here's what you can expect.
Heavy lake-effect snow is falling in Chicago, where the weather forecast calls for it to continue through Friday evening. Then the system will move to Northwest Indiana overnight.