Severe storms could bring the threat of heavy rain, lightning and damaging winds to the Chicago area this week.
A few early morning showers gave way to dry conditions Tuesday, but storms are expected to redevelop in the evening hours.
Virtually all of the Chicago area was placed under a Flash Flood Watch just before 9 p.m. The watch remains in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday and warms of thunderstorms that could produce torrential rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour.
Some areas could see an excess of 4 inches of rainfall by morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The Chicago area was under the marginal risk for severe weather Tuesday, meaning the main threats will be heavy downpours, lightning and gusts of wind that could reach upwards of 40 mph.
A few storms could persist overnight into the morning hours Wednesday before another stronger storm system returns hours later in the afternoon and evening.
Local
Wednesday is under an enhanced risk for severe storms. Forecasters predict the storms could bring heavy rain showers and hail. Damaging gusty winds could be the primary threat, but the threat for tornados exists too.
After Wednesday, the threat passes and calm weather returns to stay through the weekend.
