Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings Issued as Chicago Area Prepares for Storms A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for multiple Chicago-area counties, with additional warnings and forecasts indicating the potential for significant weather impacts over the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for southeastern Cook County, southeastern DuPage County, and northwestern Will County, with the severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 3:15 p.m. Local meteorologist Claudia Olech provided an update on Sunday’s forecast, highlighting the likelihood of multiple rounds of showers and storms affecting the region. The NWS reported that a severe storm over the Roseland neighborhood in Chicago is moving eastward at 45 miles per hour, with the potential to impact areas such as Orland Park, Tinley Park, Plainfield, Chicago Lawn, and Oak Forest. These locations could experience wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour. The storm’s trajectory suggests it may bring heavy rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding, as well as large hail, gusty winds, and a non-zero risk of tornadoes. Severe thunderstorm watches have been extended for DuPage and Cook counties until 4 p.m., with existing watches expiring in McHenry and Lake counties. A separate watch has also been issued for LaPorte County in northwest Indiana, remaining in effect until 6 p.m. Central time. Forecast models indicate that a round of showers and storms is expected to move through the area late Sunday morning and into the afternoon, with the most significant impacts likely in regions west and north of Chicago. The entire Chicago area is under a “slight” risk of severe weather on Sunday, which is the second of five levels of severe risk designated by the Storm Prediction Center.#national_weather_service #chicago #claudia_olech #roseland #orland_park
