Chicago and much of northern Illinois are bracing for a weather alert as scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to hit the region through late Wednesday night. The storms are expected to bring flooded roads, power outages, and damaging winds, making it essential for residents to stay prepared.
When Will the Storms Hit and What to Expect
The National Weather Service in Chicago reports that multiple rounds of storms will move through the area from late Tuesday into Wednesday. The storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, with the heaviest bands dumping several inches of rain in a short period. This could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, city streets, underpasses, and creeks.
While the severe weather threat is currently rated at 2 out of 5, the flash flooding risk is marked at 3 out of 4, which is a significant concern for the area.
Areas Most Affected and Travel Risks
Residents in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties should be aware of the risk of sudden water accumulation on roads, especially during the morning and evening commutes. Local authorities urge people to avoid driving through flooded streets, as conditions can change rapidly. Damaging winds could cause tree limbs to fall, and scattered lightning may disrupt outdoor activities.
The storms will move eastward at a speed of 30–40 mph, and the threat will continue until late Wednesday night. More advisories may be issued if the storm intensity increases or if the flooding becomes more widespread.
How to Prepare
To ensure safety during this severe weather event, residents are advised to:
- Charge phones and ensure that flashlights are working in case of power outages.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas, and always find an alternate route if streets are waterlogged.
- Stay informed by monitoring local weather alerts, as conditions could worsen quickly.
The storms in Chicago and northern Illinois are expected to last through Wednesday night, with potential for flash flooding and damaging winds. Stay alert to updates, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this intense weather event.
