A gorgeous June Chicago day turned dark as a line of strong storms passed through the area.
Residents who'd flocked to North Avenue Beach were told to leave the area at about 3:15 p.m. when lightning was spotted to the west.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for northern Illinois -- including Cook, DeKalb, DuPage and Will counties, though the threat has mostly subsided.
To the south, a severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 5:45 p.m. for southeastern Kankakee County and Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton and southern Porter counties in Indiana.
A previously-issued tornado warning for northeastern Jasper and southern Porter counties was allowed to expire.
NBCChicago.com readers reported hail in Plainfield and storm damage in Oak Park, where an 80 mile per hour wind gust was recorded.
Earlier in the day, the high heat sent 11 people taking part in a half-marathon on the city's south side to hospitals. One man died.
Cooler temperatures are expected Sunday, when the high will only reach 77 degrees, the weather service said.
National Weather Service: Storm Reports
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