Chicago Sees Tornado Warnings and Flooding Threats Amid Severe Weather Outbreak Residents across parts of Illinois and Wisconsin braced for severe weather as tornado warnings and flood alerts swept through the region on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts, including tornado warnings for Kankakee, Kendall, Will, and LaSalle counties, while severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings covered a wide swath of the Midwest. The storm system, which began moving into the Chicago area in the late afternoon, brought heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for tornadoes, prompting officials to urge caution and preparedness. The weather service activated a Tornado Warning for Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Livingston, and Will counties until 10:15 p.m., and for LaSalle and Livingston counties until 9:45 p.m. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were also in effect for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties, as well as other areas, with some regions facing a Level 3 Risk for severe weather. The Storm Prediction Center noted that most of the Chicago area was under a Level 3 Risk, except for Northwest Indiana, which was designated a Level 2 Risk. Tornado damage was reported in Lena, Illinois, prompting Governor JB Pritzker to declare that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) was on standby to assist affected communities. “IEMA is on the ground and in communication with officials to offer our full support,” Pritzker stated. “Please follow any local guidance and stay safe.” The storm system also disrupted transportation, with O’Hare International Airport implementing ground stops and delays. A Ground Stop for O’Hare took effect at 8:16 p.m. and lasted until 9:45 p.m., while a Ground Delay was in place from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday.#national_weather_service #illinois #chicago #ohare_international_airport #des_plaines_river
