The National Weather Service says there is a “rare, significant severe weather threat” for Illinois Friday that could bring thunderstorms, damaging winds and tornadoes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago said in a statement early Friday that a complex weather scenario is expected to play out later today.
There is an “all-hazards severe weather risk,” the weather service said.
There is potential for damaging winds, involving significant severe gusts in excess of 75 mph, a “few to even several” tornadoes and damaging hail.
Elevated showers and thunderstorms will continue to track east across the region Friday morning.
The timing for severe weather is expected from 2-11 p.m. Friday.
The NWS described the weather as being a “two punch” threat followed by non-thunderstorm winds.
The first round is expected between 2-6 p.m. and the second round is expected from 6-11 p.m.
The non-thunderstorm damaging wind will be a threat through Saturday morning, the NWS said.
The greatest threat is expected in the western half of Illinois.
The NWS has rated Lake and McHenry counties as being at an “elevated” threat for severe weather.
“A tornado threat will exist with any storm mode this afternoon and evening across the entire area. Due to fast storm speed, less time will be available to take action. By this evening, storms will likely be moving east at around 65 mph,” the weather service said.
The NWS said the first round of storms will influence how severe the second round of storms will be.
Forecasters said they recommend residents have multiple ways to get weather warnings.