Illinois State Fair Evacuated Due to Storms

All tents at the Illinois State Fair have been evacuated due to inclement weather on the fairgrounds, the State Fair tweeted Friday night.

"There are more than a dozen storm shelters located on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Emmerson Building, Grandstand, Dairy Building, IL Bldg" the Illinois State Fair tweeted. "Orr Building, Fire Station, Coliseum, IDOA bldg & more. Do not ride out a storm in a tent. Download ISF app for map of storm shelters."

A Flash Flood Watch was issued by the National Weather Service Friday morning ahead of scattered thunderstorms expected to bring periods of heavy downpours.

Friday morning began mostly cloudy, hot, and humid with temperatures expected to rise into the upper 80s throughout the day. It will still feel hotter due to high humidity levels. 

Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the early afternoon and continue into the evening hours, with heavy rain likely. 

The storms will be capable of producing torrential rainfall rates of 2 inches of more per hour, according NWS, warning of the potential for localized flash flooding. 

The Flash Flood Watch will remain in effect for the entire metro Chicago area until midnight. The storms will likely subdue by Friday night, leaving mild and muggy conditions. A few lingering showers may remain into the overnight hours.

Saturday will also be mostly cloudy, warm and humid with a few spotty showers and isolated thunderstorms into the late afternoon. Temperatures will peak in the low to mid 80s.

The threat of storms will be gone by Sunday, for a mostly sunny, warm and more comfortable day. Highs are expected to be in the low to mid 80s, but will be less humid.

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