Overview

• The National Weather Service placed 14 Illinois and two Indiana counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 p.m. Wednesday.
• Storms are forecast to develop in the western suburbs by mid-afternoon, reach Chicago around 6–7 p.m. and push into Northwest Indiana later in the evening.
• Most of the region carries a level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather while parts of Northwest Indiana and southern suburbs remain at level 1.
• Forecasters warn of damaging gusts, large hail, frequent lightning and torrential downpours that could trigger flash flooding with a low chance of an isolated tornado.
• Local authorities advise residents to secure outdoor items, monitor live radar updates and avoid driving during the peak storm window.