Severe thunderstorms bringing winds up to 75 mph, large hail and tornadoes are possible in northern Illinois on Wednesday afternoon into the evening, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said waves of storms are expected to move across the area on Wednesday.
Some could be severe, especially in the afternoon. The NWS said confidence remains low on just how far north the threat will be following the morning storms.
“Any clearing could lift the threat back north! Stay tuned!” the NWS said.
The main hazards include tornadoes, damaging winds up to 75 mph and large hail up to two inches in diameter.
Repeated rounds of storms over the same areas may lead to localized flooding in poor drainage and low-lying areas.
The majority of the Chicagoland area is rated at a level three out of five for severe weather threat.
The main severe threat window is from 1-7 p.m., the NWS said.
On Wednesday morning, thunderstorms led to lightning striking a tree and causing it to fall over near Garfield Avenue and Hancock Avenue in Lake Bluff.
At least four houses and four vehicles were reported to be damaged by the debris.
A hazardous weather outlook remains in effect for Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Cook, Will, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois and Ford counties.
The NWS said an active spring weather pattern will continue through the end of the week with additional shower and storm chances but the most severe weather risk is Wednesday.