Severe Weather Threats in the Chicago Area
After an already stormy morning, the Chicago area is under a threat of severe weather, but what exactly you’ll see and when will depend on where you live. Multiple rounds of storms moved through the area in the morning hours, but additional storms are firing up in central Illinois and could impact both northern Illinois and northwest Indiana in coming hours.
But as more storms make their way through the area, the threats for severe weather have changed. Originally, much of the Chicago area was under an “enhanced” risk for severe storms — a level three out of five, according to the Storm Prediction Center. By noon Wednesday, the forecast had shifted, leaving the region under the lower “slight” risk for areas south and west of Chicago, and “marginal” for areas north, a level one out of five.
Still, several weather threats remain in play, with a tornado watch issued for parts of the Chicago area ahead of the arrival of additional storms. MORE: Chicago-area residents asked to delay showers, use less water ahead of heavy rain
Active Severe Weather Alerts
This section will be updated throughout the afternoon and evening with severe weather alerts across the Chicago area. For the latest alerts in your area, check our alerts page here.
-A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of the Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service. That watch has been trimmed down, and now includes just LaPorte County in northwest Indiana.
-A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for east-central LaPorte County and St. Joseph County in Indiana until 9 p.m. Eastern, 8 p.m. Central. Storms on a line from Kingsford Heights to Culver is moving northeast at 60 miles per hour and producing wind gusts in excess of 70 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Storm Timing
Early Afternoon
After an earlier morning band of heavy rain and storms, another line of lightning-producing storms made their way across the area, particularly south and west of Chicago. Waves of rain were expected to continue, with the largest threat for severe weather sitting in the early afternoon hours. Damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rainfall are all possible.
Temperature readings sat in the low-40s just before noon, but a dramatic shift was expected in the coming hours. At 12 p.m., a wind advisory took effect in LaSalle, Grundy, and Kankakee Counties in Illinois and Newton County Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.
2 p.m.
By 2 p.m., radar projections show storm cells beginning to break up, which could indicate a larger threat for damaging storms. “When [storms] become a little bit more isolated, there’s the better chance for severe weather popping its way on in,” Sack said.
This is expected to continue through at least 4 p.m., longer for areas south of Chicago and into northwest Indiana. The National Weather Service said it had “high confidence” parts of the northwest Indiana region would see “60 to 75 mph damaging winds.”
“Embedded tornadoes will also be possible, with the best chances for a strong tornado (EF-2+) along and south of US-24. Stay weather aware!” the agency wrote on social media. Temperatures are expected to warm to near 70 degrees in those locations, though areas north likely won’t see temperatures rise quite so high.
“Repeated rounds of storms over the same areas may also lead to localized flooding of poor drainage and low lying areas,” the National Weather Service warned. Additional rounds of showers and storms this afternoon. Some could be strong to severe, especially across east central Illinois into western Indiana! The threat of widespread severe has diminished some across northern Illinois, especially north of I-88. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/ieUTFxLppi— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) April 2, 2025
Evening
The storms are expected to clear out by the evening and overnight hours. The threat for potentially severe storms looks to move out of the area by 7 p.m. CT.
Remainder of the Week
While there is a chance for some showers again Thursday, particularly south of Interstate 80, another chance for storms moves in again Friday evening. The chance for rain will continue into the weekend.
Conclusion
The Chicago area is facing a severe weather threat, with multiple rounds of storms expected to move through the area. It’s essential to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather alerts and forecasts to ensure your safety. Remember to check our alerts page for the latest information and follow the National Weather Service for updates on severe weather warnings and watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current severe weather threat in the Chicago area?
A: The Chicago area is under a “slight” risk for severe storms, with a level one out of five risk for areas north of Chicago and a level three out of five risk for areas south and west of Chicago.
Q: What type of severe weather can we expect?
A: Damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rainfall are all possible.
Q: When is the greatest threat for severe weather?
A: The largest threat for severe weather is expected in the early afternoon hours, with storms expected to clear out by the evening and overnight hours.
Q: How can I stay informed about severe weather alerts and forecasts?
A: Check our alerts page for the latest information and follow the National Weather Service for updates on severe weather warnings and watches.
Q: What should I do to prepare for severe weather?
A: Stay indoors, avoid traveling, and keep a weather radio or other alert system nearby to stay informed about severe weather warnings and watches.
