Severe thunderstorms possible in Chicago area with chance of hail, tornadoes, flooding

Severe thunderstorms are possible across much of the Chicago area Wednesday, with the potential for hail, tornadoes and flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

Showers hit the area Wednesday morning and storms are more likely to roll through Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said. An elevated flooding risk, possible winds up to 70 miles per hour, quarter-size hail and tornadoes are all possible, though not necessarily likely.

Severe storms are most likely southeast of Interstate 55 in eastern Illinois and northwest Indiana.

“That’s not to say there’s a zero percent chance in the city, but south of it has a better chance,” said Gino Izzi, an NWS meteorologist.

But the whole area can expect to get drenched Wednesday, even if not by severe thunderstorms, he said.

“Even if you don’t get severe weather, there’s gonna be some pretty soaking downpours and thunderstorms today,” Izzi said.

Wednesday’s storms are moving east and northeast at around 30 miles per hour, the NWS said.

Storms expected in southeast Wisconsin could spread to the northeast corner of Illinois Thursday and Friday. Damaging wind and hail could come, but it’s not expected to last long.

The rest of the week looks to be more mild, without as much precipitation expected. But hot and humid weather with a possible heat index of 100 or above is forecast for this weekend and early next week, according to the NWS. The area will likely see temps in the 90s, Izzi said.

“It’s our first heat wave of the year; I don’t know if I’d call it extreme,” he said. “It’s Chicago summer, so it’s hot. It’s definitely gonna be the hottest weekend so far this year.”