Severe thunderstorms, bringing destructive winds and flooding, are possible in the Chicago and surrounding Illinois area during the evening Monday, according to the National Weather Service. | Graphic via NWS

Forecasters are warning about severe thunderstorms that will bring the threat of hurricane-force winds, tornadoes and damaging hail to the Chicagoland area Monday evening.

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

The outlook says a round of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move across the area from late Monday afternoon through the evening.

“Destructive” winds are expected to be the primary severe hazard, though isolated large hail and a few tornadoes will also be possible, the outlook said.

Hurricane-force winds are possible. The winds could exceed 75 mph, the NWS said.

Torrential downpours may produce flash flooding.

“If notable heavy rain occurs over the most hard hit areas from both Saturday night and Sunday night along with the most heavily urbanized portions of the Chicago metro, significant flash flooding may develop,” the outlook said.

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Peak heat index readings in the 105 to 110-degree range are likely Monday afternoon.

The NWS said scattered thunderstorms are possible again on Tuesday afternoon, primarily near and south of Interstate 80, especially east of Interstate 55.

They may be accompanied by an isolated severe weather and flash flooding threat.

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