Threat Level: Significant — Danger to Life and Property
A powerful and fast‑moving storm system is sweeping across the Midwest, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Severe Thunderstorm Watch 304, in effect until 10 PM CDT (11 PM EDT). This watch covers large portions of Illinois and Northwest Indiana, with conditions favorable for damaging winds, large hail, intense lightning, and sudden power outages. Residents are urged to stay alert and be prepared to act quickly as conditions may deteriorate with little warning.
ILLINOIS — 12 COUNTIES UNDER WATCH
Central Illinois
Livingston
East Central Illinois
Ford
Iroquois
North Central Illinois
La Salle
Northeast Illinois
Cook
DuPage
Grundy
Kane
Kankakee
Kendall
Lake IL
Will
NORTHWEST INDIANA — 5 COUNTIES UNDER WATCH
Benton
Jasper
Lake IN
Newton
Porter
MAJOR CITIES INCLUDED
Chicago, Evanston, Naperville, Joliet, Waukegan, Elgin, Aurora, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Kankakee, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Merrillville, Gary, Valparaiso, Chesterton, Rensselaer, and surrounding communities are all within the threat zone. Anyone living or traveling in these areas should remain vigilant.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Damaging wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines
Large hail
Frequent lightning
Localized flooding from heavy downpours
Rapidly changing conditions as storms intensify
ACTION RECOMMENDED
Stay indoors when storms approach
Secure outdoor items
Charge phones and essential devices
Avoid unnecessary travel
Keep weather alerts active
Move to an interior room if warnings are issued
Sankofaonline will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as conditions evolve.
Additional Details:
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION with tornado like wind speeds expected. Mobile homes and high profile vehicles are especially susceptible to winds of this magnitude and may be overturned. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms have the potential to cause serious injury and significant property damage.
– NWS Chicago IL
