LIVE UPDATES: Severe Storms Sweep Across McHenry, Lake Counties

LAKE AND MCHENRY COUNTIES, IL — The severe weather threat expanded Thursday evening as the National Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for Lake County until 10 p.m.

Forecasters said thunderstorms have already produced up to 1 inch of rain in parts of the county, with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible through the evening. The heaviest rainfall could lead to rapid flooding of streets, underpasses, creeks, drainage ditches and other low-lying or poor-drainage areas.

Communities included in the Flash Flood Warning include Waukegan, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Northbrook, North Chicago, Gurnee, Mundelein, Highland Park, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, Zion, Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Lake Forest, Round Lake, Antioch and Wauconda.

"A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may already be occurring," according to the National Weather Service said.

Residents near creeks, drainage ditches and flood-prone areas are urged to take immediate precautions to protect life and property.

The above information was updated at 6:30 p.m.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for portions of Lake, McHenry, northern Kane and northeastern DeKalb counties through 7:15 p.m.

At about 6:09 p.m., a line of strong to severe thunderstorms was located from Paddock Lake through McHenry to near Kirkland, moving east-northeast at 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The storms are capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

Officials warn that this could lead to hail damage to vehicles as well as wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Communities in the warning area include Elgin, Waukegan, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Carpentersville, North Chicago, Gurnee, Mundelein, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Round Lake Beach, McHenry, Vernon Hills, Woodstock, Zion, Huntley, Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Lake Forest, Antioch, Wauconda, Fox Lake and surrounding areas.

Residents are urged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building immediately if storms approach.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. CDT for much of northern and northeastern Illinois, meaning additional severe storms remain possible through the evening.