Chicago Area Experiences Soggy Morning with Soaking Rain and Severe Weather
The Chicago area woke up to a soggy morning Tuesday, with more soaking rain, downpours and scattered showers and even the chance for severe weather through the evening. The rain was expected to continue throughout the day, causing disruptions to daily activities and commutes.
Morning Commute Disruptions
Around 5:30 a.m., radar showed rain pounding down all parts of northeast Illinois. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, steady, heavy rain, gusty winds and even low visibility were all expected to last through the morning commute. This made for a difficult travel experience, with crashes and power outages reported across the area.
Crashes had already begun to pop up across the area on the slick roads, NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin said. Some power outages were also reported, ComEd’s outage map showed, with more than 1,000 without power in Cook County. Hundreds more outages were reported in Kane and Will Counties, according to ComEd’s website.
Severe Weather Risk
While the rain could break at times in the afternoon, it will pick back up in the early evening, NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologist Alicia Roman said. At that time, counties to the far south, including parts of LaSalle and Kankakee, could see strong or even severe storms.
“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to redevelop this afternoon,” the National Weather Service said. “A few storms could become severe, primarily near and south of LaSalle to Rensselaer line.”
Between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Storm Prediction Center has those areas under a “slight” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level two of five on the SPC’s severe weather scale. Northern Kankakee, along with parts of Will and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana will be at a “marginal” risk, which ranks as level one.
Possible Hazards
“All severe hazards, including a few tornadoes are possible,” the NWS warned. Damaging winds and damaging hail could also occur. The National Weather Service Chicago tweeted about the chance for severe thunderstorms along and south of a La Salle to Rensselaer line this afternoon, dependent on warm front location.
Chance for severe thunderstorms along and south of a La Salle to Rensselaer line this afternoon and dependent on warm front location. If the warm front lifts further north, severe threat may also lift further north toward the I-80 corridor. #ILWX #INWX
Temperature and Wind
Temperatures Tuesday will remain in the 50s Roman said, with winds gusting as high as 40 miles-per-hour at times. “Just a cool blustery day all around,” Roman said.
Weather Outlook for the Rest of the Week
Rain was expected to linger into Wednesday morning and afternoon, with more scattered showers possible in the evening. Thursday would be drier, Roman said, though some showers could remain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chicago area experienced a soggy morning with soaking rain and severe weather. The rain caused disruptions to daily activities and commutes, with crashes and power outages reported across the area. The severe weather risk will continue into the evening, with possible hazards including tornadoes, damaging winds, and damaging hail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the weather forecast for Tuesday?
A: The weather forecast for Tuesday is soaking rain, downpours, and scattered showers, with a chance for severe weather in the evening.
Q: Which areas are under a severe weather risk?
A: Counties to the far south, including parts of LaSalle and Kankakee, are under a “slight” risk of severe weather, while Northern Kankakee, along with parts of Will and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana are at a “marginal” risk.
Q: What are the possible hazards associated with the severe weather?
A: The possible hazards include tornadoes, damaging winds, and damaging hail.
Q: What is the temperature forecast for Tuesday?
A: The temperature forecast for Tuesday is in the 50s, with winds gusting as high as 40 miles-per-hour at times.
Q: What is the weather outlook for the rest of the week?
A: Rain is expected to linger into Wednesday morning and afternoon, with more scattered showers possible in the evening. Thursday is expected to be drier, though some showers could remain.
