Chicago Area Faces Tornado, Hail Threats – NBC Chicago

By Better Today On Feb 27, 2024

TL/DR –

A tornado watch has been issued for the entire Chicago area, with forecasters warning of severe weather conditions, including “significant” tornadoes. The severe weather is expected to include damaging hail, gusty winds up to 60 mph, and heavy downpours that could impact the entire region. The storms are expected to clear by late evening, with temperatures predicted to drop into the 20s by Wednesday morning.

Chicago Area Under Tornado Watch Amid Severe Weather Outbreak

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the entire Chicago area, highlighting the potential for significant tornadoes due to severe weather outbreak on Tuesday afternoon. This watch includes all areas covered by NBC 5 in northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Severe thunderstorms, part of a fast-approaching cold front, are forecasted to hit the area during evening hours bringing the risk of tornadoes, damaging hail, and gusty winds.

Chicago’s Enhanced Risk of Severe Weather

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the risk level for the entire Chicago area to “enhanced”, due to the possible occurrence of strong wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, hail as large as two inches in diameter, and significant tornadoes.

The SPC expects intense thunderstorms to develop later in the day that may lead to significant tornadoes, particularly along and south of Interstate 80.

Potential Damages and Threats

Downpours and gusty winds are also expected to hit the region, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 60 miles per hour, capable of damaging tree limbs, power lines, and unsecured outdoor objects. The area at enhanced risk is likely to experience the worst of the hail, with sizes of two inches or more in diameter.

Once the storms clear out by late evening, a sharp drop in temperature is expected, with lows reaching the 30s overnight and into the 20s by Wednesday morning. Snow accumulation is also possible as the low-pressure system departs, with significant amounts expected west of Chicago due to ample moisture and quicker cooling temperatures.