The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch and lakeshore flood warning from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning ahead of more cold, wind and rain.
The next big storm of the fall season is taking shape with the consolidation of waves to the north and south of Chicago, merging with a tropical system from the Gulf. That likely will bring low clouds and periods of rain Wednesday and Thursday that could be heavy at times, according to NBCChicago meteorologist Andy Avalos.
A few thunderstorms also are possible as strong northerly winds pull in unseasonably chilly temperatures over warmer lake waters.
Readings likely won't top 50 in most of the area Wednesday and Thursday, and northerly winds are possible with gusts between 35 and 45 mph. Winds over the lake also could cause large waves along the south lake shore similar to a few weeks ago.
Rain totals are projected between a half-inch to one-and-a-half inches.
Chicago should dry out Friday and Saturday with sunshine returning and temps leveling out by the weekend.
