The entire Chicagoland area remains under a tornado watch as severe thunderstorms, capable of producing tornadoes, move through the region Thursday evening.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the tornado watch around 2 p.m. Thursday for Lake, Winnebago, Cook, DuPage, McHenry, Kane, Will, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall and surrounding counties.
The watch will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Forecasters say there is a severe thunderstorm threat through 5:30 p.m. for a large section of northern and central Illinois, including McHenry County.
The storms will likely continue east into the Chicago metro, the NWS said.
The storm is currently moving northeast at 40 mph, the NWS said around 3:50 p.m.
The main threats include damaging winds capable of downing tree limbs and fences and damaging hail capable of denting cars and siding.
Brief tornadoes are also possible along with frequent lightning, the NWS said.
The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 4:05 p.m. for Lee and Ogle counties.
“Large hail and damaging wind are the primary threats with these storms. We are monitoring storms closely for any potential rotation. When thunder roars go indoors!” the NWS said.
Forecasters say that residents should have multiple ways to receive warning information and stay tuned for updates.