The National Weather Service is warning about thunderstorms that could produce severe weather and tornadoes in the Illinois area on Monday. | Provided Graphic

The National Weather Service says that thunderstorms potentially capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes are expected Monday afternoon in Illinois, including Lake and McHenry counties.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said showers and thunderstorms will move through the area this afternoon and evening.

Some of the thunderstorms that develop today could become severe and be capable of producing damaging winds, tornadoes and hail.

The highest coverage of showers and storms will come during the mid-late afternoon and the main timing for any severe weather to occur would be from the mid-afternoon through the early evening, the NWS said.

The scattered thunderstorms will develop from the southwest after mid-morning and will become more numerous this afternoon into the early evening, the NWS added.

Strong south winds with gusts of 40 to 45 mph are possible outside of thunderstorms.

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“Remain weather-aware today, and make sure that you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings!” the NWS said.

Those who hear thunder are urged to move indoors to stay safe.