Tornado Risk, Severe Storms Possible In Illinois

ILLINOIS — The Chicago area could see some severe storms Thursday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service said there is an elevated thunderstorm risk as well as a limited tornado risk, elevated hail risk and elevated damaging wind risk.

Showers and some storms are expected Thursday morning and into the afternoon, and then additional storms are possible late afternoon and into the evening. According to the weather service, a few storms could be strong to severe, with threats of strong wind gusts and large hail. Storms will be mainly be south of I-88 and west of I-65.

The tornado threat appears low, but the weather service said a brief tornado can't be ruled out Thursday evening south of I-80.

Storms will move into the area mainly during the evening and early overnight hours, between 4 and 11 p.m., the weather service said. Thunderstorm hazards could include strong winds up to 60 mph, hail, heavy rain and frequent lightning.