Tornado Watch, Severe Thunderstorm, Flash Flood Warnings In Illinois

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch, effective until midnight for nine counties: Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Ogle and Winnebago. The watch includes the City of Chicago.

A flash flood warning is in place for Boone and Winnebago counties until 2:30 a.m. Thursday after thunderstorms producing up to three inches of rain as of just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. A flash flood warning was also in place for Lake and McHenry counties until 3:15 a.m.

The NSW advises, "turn around, don't drown," so if you see a flooded road way, turn back. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. High winds downed tree limbs in Rockford, and streets in Winnebago were flooded with 4 to 6 inches of water, WGN reported.

A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 9:30 .m. Wednesday for DeKalb, Kane, McHenry, DuPage and Cook counties. Storms could bring up to 70 mph wind gusts, and the NWS is warning residents to be prepared for "considerable tree damage," as well as damage to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings.

"Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways," the NWS said.

Storms were excepted to continue through the overnight hours, with more storms possible on Thursday and a strong risk of flooding overnight.

Image via Patch file