Severe thunderstorms are possible in the Chicago and surrounding Illinois area during the day Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. | Graphic via NWS

The National Weather Service says severe weather including storms and damaging winds, along with a threat of tornadoes, is possible Tuesday in the Chicagoland area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hazardous weather outlook Monday for Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois and Ford counties.

Strong to severe thunderstorms may develop Tuesday morning and into the early afternoon mainly along and east of Interstate 55, according to the outlook.

The storms could develop as early as 8 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.

All of the storms will produce lightning strikes, downpours and gusty winds, the NWS said.

The strongest storms may produce “a few brief” tornadoes and damaging winds capable of downing tree limbs and fences.

The majority of Lake County, along with Chicago and surrounding suburbs, is rated a one on a scale of 0-5 for the threat of severe weather.

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“While uncertainty remains in both the timing and general magnitude, the potential exists for a few storms to produce damaging winds and even a few brief tornadoes,” the NWS said.

Forecasters said they recommend residents have multiple ways to get weather warnings and take cover if one is issued.