Thursday's weather could change dramatically by the hour.
As a storm system that brought blizzards to parts of the Midwest this week shifts over the Chicago area, it will bring with it high winds and the threat of severe weather.
When can we expect to see storms?
A band of showers and thunderstorms moved over far western Illinois counties Thursday morning, shifting eastward toward DeKalb as it carried brief downpours, lightning and nickel-sized hail.
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As that band moves out of the area by the late-morning hours, scattered showers could pop up in pockets across the area.
Conditions are expected to stay windy and warm for the afternoon with a few showers possible.
A Wind Advisory ends at noon in McHenry, DeKalb and Kane counties, but as that advisory ends, another begins in Kendall, Grundy, Will and Kankakee counties in Illinois and Porter, Newton and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana.
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As the evening hours arrive, scattered thunderstorms will likely develop.
The strongest weather is expected to return around 9 p.m. and continue into the overnight hours, moving out between 3 and 4 a.m. Friday.
What is the biggest threat?
Some of these storms could dump moderate to heavy rain on the area and winds could gust up to 60 mph. A few isolated tornadoes are possible.
Much of the Chicago area is under a marginal risk for severe weather, with areas southwest of the city under the higher slight risk category.
High winds could potentially make it difficult for commuters on north and south roads and loose objects could be blown around. Waves could reach between 8 and 11 feet at shorelines in Lake and Cook counties.
Minor flooding is possible—including parts of Chicago’s lakefront bike path. Flooded areas should be avoided as well as piers, jetties and breakwalls.
Lightweight objects should be brought indoors or secured to the ground.
Winds continue Friday as temperatures drop into the mid-40s for most, but stay in the mid-50s in northwest Indiana.
