Severe Storms and High Winds Heading to Chicago
After a day of near record-high temperatures and sunny skies, the Chicago area is bracing for possibly severe storms and dangerously high winds heading into Saturday.
A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for all Illinois counties of the Chicago area until 2 a.m. Saturday, with a wind advisory also in effect until 7 a.m.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for portions of northern and northeast IL until 2 AM CDT. Note storms are still 3-4 hours away, but now is the time to begin monitoring the weather and make sure your prepared including have multiple ways to get warnings! #ILwx https://t.co/HczztijY9s
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) March 14, 2025
Approaching Storm System
The system of storms is approaching the region from the west, with large swaths of the Midwest under an enhanced or moderate risk for severe weather.
The primary threat in the approaching system is dangerous winds, with the National Weather Service warning of the possibility of scattered wind gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour.
Possibly severe storms and dangerous winds are approaching the Chicago area, with high winds persisting through Saturday.
Possible Weather Conditions
While wind will be the primary threat to prepare for, a few isolated tornadoes and scattered hail up to two inches in diameter are both possible.
As the worst of the conditions are likely to impact the region while many people are asleep, officials are advising residents to remain vigilant and prepared.
Preparation and Safety
Experts are also advising residents with patio furniture or other large outdoor items to secure them, as they could cause major damage to surrounding areas if they’re swept up in the wind.
Residents should be prepared to seek shelter in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning.
“Once you get that weather warning, which you usually get through a weather alert, that means you need to seek shelter,” Connie Esparza of the American Red Cross said.
Wind Advisory and Warning
The current wind advisory will be immediately followed by a high wind warning, with southwesterly gusts of up to 60 miles per hour possible for Saturday morning.
The warning will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m., covering the time that the Chicago River dyeing is scheduled, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m.
Another wind advisory will then take effect from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour possible during that time. The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade is slated to step off at 12 p.m.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area is bracing for severe storms and high winds heading into Saturday. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared, securing outdoor items and seeking shelter in case of severe weather warnings. The wind advisory and warning will be in effect throughout the day, with high winds persisting through Saturday.
FAQs
Q: What is the current weather watch in effect for the Chicago area?
A: A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for all Illinois counties of the Chicago area until 2 a.m. Saturday, with a wind advisory also in effect until 7 a.m.
Q: What is the primary threat in the approaching storm system?
A: The primary threat in the approaching system is dangerous winds, with the National Weather Service warning of the possibility of scattered wind gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour.
Q: What should residents do to prepare for the severe weather?
A: Residents should secure outdoor items, such as patio furniture, and be prepared to seek shelter in case of severe weather warnings.
Q: What events will be affected by the wind advisory and warning?
A: The Chicago River dyeing and the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade will be affected by the wind advisory and warning, with high winds possible during the events.
