Severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes threaten Chicago tonight
- A sunny and milder day with highs in the 60s is predicted for Thursday.
- Severe thunderstorms forecast for Friday night could bring damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
- Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepared as these storms could impact the Chicago area.
In the United States, the Chicago area is bracing for severe weather conditions as a line of storms moves into the region. The warm-up that began earlier in the week is leading to a high of 77 degrees on Friday, presenting an ideal environment for severe thunderstorms. The storms are anticipated to arrive between 9 p.m. Friday and 3 a.m. Saturday, with the initial impact hitting the city just after midnight. Severe weather alerts have been issued due to the potential for damaging winds that could reach up to 50 miles per hour and brief, isolated tornadoes. The National Weather Service has taken precautions by issuing wind advisories across various counties. From 4 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, Cook, DuPage, Will, Kankakee, and Lake counties in Illinois, as well as counties in Northwest Indiana, will face damaging high winds. Additionally, a High Wind Watch is in effect for Saturday as winds may create unstable conditions, even after the thunderstorms have passed. Winds throughout Saturday could reach strong gusts of 60 miles per hour, heightening concerns for communities celebrating St. Patrick's Day. While the severe storms are a pressing issue, Chicagoans also have the opportunity to view a total lunar eclipse on Thursday night, coinciding with the warm weather. The eclipse will feature the full