Storm Timing: When Could Severe Weather, Tornadoes Hit Illinois?

ILLINOIS — Severe weather, including the threat of damaging winds, hail and even tornadoes, could impact the Tuesday evening commute across the Chicagoland area and beyond. According to the National Weather Service, widespread thunderstorms are expected to begin at 5 p.m. for the central part of the state, while they will hit at around 7 p.m. closer to Lake Michigan.

The most severe thunderstorms and weather, which will pass from west to east, is predicted to occur between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. All thunderstorms will produce lightning strikes and the downpours may cause ponding, or large pools of water, on roadways. In addition, strong southwest winds, which could gust between 35 and 45 mph Tuesday afternoon.

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NWS said Tuesday morning, the highest threat of tornadoes will be near and west of Interstate 39 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, severe thunderstorms will continue to be a threat in the morning, especially along and east of Interstate 55.