Illinois has once again been hit by unrelenting severe weather, this time posing risks of two times as many storms, high risk of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds.
On Friday afternoon and into the evening, severe weather is expected to move into the Chicago area, potentially bringing the possibility of tornadoes.
Double Dose Storms, High Risk of Tornadoes
Friday could see two rounds of storms, the first from 2 to 6 PM and the second storm, pouring down from 6 to 11 PM.
According to AccuWeather, there is a high risk of tornadoes, torrential downpours, hail, and damaging winds reaching as much as 70 mph to 80 mph in the Chicago area. The National Weather Service warned that the threat from severe weather includes damaging winds, tornadoes, and damaging hail. The service added that this is a significant, albeit relatively rare, severe weather threat for the region.
The weather service suggested having several options for receiving weather alerts, including a wake-up call option.
Damaging Hail, Damaging Winds
In particular, during round one of the storms, damaging hail and winds that move at speeds greater than 75 mph are possible. The weather service warned that the hail could dent siding and automobiles.
The private forecaster AccuWeather said storms could bring hail, damaging wind gusts, flooding downpours, and an isolated tornado to Joliet on Friday. Unsecured objects might be blown around by strong winds. There may be a few power outages and tree limbs that are blown down.
AccuWeather forecasted a rapid development of thunderstorms that would threaten a large portion of the nation, including St. Louis, Chicago, Little Rock, and Indianapolis.
According to the weather service, the region will also experience non-thunderstorm winds at 45 mph after storms leave the area, mostly close to and to the south of Interstate 80, Patch reports.
Multiple Weather Alerts Illinois
From the National Weather Service data, Illinois is under a long list of multiple weather alerts. This includes a Tornado Watch, multiple Flood Warnings, as well as multiple Wind Advisories.
The Tornado Watches, which will all end by 8 PM tonight is effective over 56 counties of Illinois.
Some of the Wind Advisories are set to last until April 2, while some of the Flood Warnings won't expire until the 10th.
Also Read: Severe Weather Outbreak Widespread in 20 States, Multiple Tornadoes Possible
Chicago Weather
In Chicago, two weather alerts are in effect.
A Gale Warning is in effect until 7 PM Saturday in the affected area, which is Winthrop Harbor to Calumet Harbor. Strong winds will produce dangerous waves that could capsize or damage vessels in addition to visibility, according to weather officials. Thunderstorms are forecast for this afternoon and this evening in the aforementioned area, which could bring about locally stronger winds as well as higher waves.
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect until 10 PM tonight in the same area. The service advises mariners to change their plans to avoid these dangerous circumstances, as well as to stay in port and look for a safe harbor. Changing courses is also an option, as well as preparing the ship for rough seas. South winds to 30 kt and significant waves to 5 ft, The Weather Channel reports.
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