Severe thunderstorm watch issued for northern Illinois, NW Indiana. Huge hail and 60 mph wind gusts are expected, forecasters warn.
Meteorologists Tuesday issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, warning the system could produce choppy waves on Lake Michigan, half-dollar-sized “damaging hail” and winds as strong as 60 mph — hefty enough to down tree limbs or power lines, according to the National Weather Service.
In Kankakee County and the communities of Essex and Union Hill, the storm has intensified with hail the size of a golf ball.
The thunderstorm watch covers most of northern Illinois, including Chicago, and will be in effect until 9 p.m.
The line of severe storms will continue south of I-80 late this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Farther north, a second line of showers and storms has developed. which will bring strong winds and potential hail.
“Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees,” said Meteorologist Jake Petr.
Chicago has not had any reports of hail larger than 2 inches in diameter yet this year, which is unusual. “We typically average three to four reports every year,” said Brett Borchardt, meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Chicago office. Radar imaging suggested Tuesday’s hail could reach 1.25 inches in diameter.
The thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by southwest winds, which should be strongest in the Chicago area from about noon to 6 p.m. The weather service said the severe weather could rank as a 2 on a scale of 1 through 5 and should have passed through the area by 8 p.m.
“There is a threat for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail this afternoon between about noon and 8 p.m. The highest threat area for these storms is generally along and east of the Interstate Highway 55 corridor across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana,” according to an alert from the weather service.
Forecasters said residents may want to bring loose objects in from outside or find a way to secure them, because the strong winds “may blow around loose objects such as trash bins and patio furniture.”
The weather could also kick up waves on Lake Michigan, particularly on much of the Indiana side of the lake, from the Indiana Dunes east, meteorologists said.
“Thunderstorms may also lead to locally erratic waves along the entire lakeshore,” according to the weather service. Waves could reach 3 to 5 feet and life-threatening currents may also be present.
The 2021 beach season ended Monday, the last day lifeguards were present for the year. So while the weather service warned swimming would likely be unsafe, the city reminds the public that swimming in the lake will not be permitted until Memorial Day of 2022.
The beach hazards statement that was issued Tuesday is in effect through 1 p.m. Wednesday, as is a small craft advisory. The system is also expected to significantly drop the temperature as it moves into the area; the low temperature Tuesday could dip to 59 degrees, forecasters said.
Check back for updates and for more on the forecast, visit the Tribune’s weather page.
Chicago Tribune reporter Kori Rumore contributed.
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