Chicago, Illinois – Residents in the Chicago area should brace for potentially severe weather on Tuesday as the region faces a “slight” risk of thunderstorms. According to the Storm Prediction Center, strong thunderstorms with the possibility of large hail and tornadoes could hit the area later in the day.
The risk extends across several counties, including McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee. Additionally, Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, and Jasper counties are also within the marginally risky zone. Officials are warning of damaging winds exceeding 55 miles per hour, along with the potential for hail up to two inches in diameter.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that the hail could be as large as a golf ball or a large egg. Forecast models also suggest the possibility of tornadoes developing, adding to the threat looming over the area.
The expected timeline for severe weather to strike is around 4 p.m., sweeping through the region before a sharp cold front moves in, sharply dropping temperatures leading into Wednesday. In the aftermath, wind chills could plummet into the teens, with a chance of snow as temperatures dip.
Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest weather information from the NBC 5 Storm Team to ensure preparedness and safety.