Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Chicago Area Amid Weather Risks
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in the Chicago area, including Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, McHenry, and Will in Illinois, as well as Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter in northwest Indiana. This watch is in effect until 4 a.m. The region is under a 'slight' risk of severe weather, which is the second level in a five-tier system used by the Storm Prediction Center. Forecast models indicate the potential for heavy rains, gusty winds, damaging hail, and a non-zero risk of tornadoes. Multiple flood advisories have been issued following several rounds of storms, and residents are advised to stay informed through real-time alerts available via the NBC Chicago app.