Severe threat Monday

We have two chances at severe storms on Monday. The first is a line that may develop late morning into early afternoon. The second looks less certain but is potentially more significant -- it would develop toward sunset. The set up has a lot of moisture and a lot of wind shear so things could get ugly. SPC has us under "enhanced" risk of severe storms and that is a fairly big deal. Definitely worth paying attention tomorrow.

tornado warning cancelled; flood threat increasing

The tornado warning has lapsed. (Note that reports of sirens outside the warned area were due to local officials jumping the gun.) In any case the threat has already passed, although isolated severe weather (wind, hail) remains possible. The ongoing threat of significant flooding is also increasing by the minute as wave after wave of drenching thunderstorms is orienting along an axis from west to east, right through the heart of the area. Everything in a corridor 30 miles to the north and south of downtown is under the gun right now, and significant downpours will continue for several more hours. Hardest-hit areas will see very high rainfall totals. Roadways, creeks/streams/rivers and low-lying areas are all at risk of flooding. Do not take any chances in crossing any water in a vehicle or on foot.

Traffic times are already very high, and both airports are being severely impacted. Train delays are likely as well. 

Tornado warning and flooding threat

Central Cook is under a tornado warning -- radar indicated a tornado near Maywood and Westchester moving east near/along the Eisenhower. This is unlikely to be a strong tornado but that will not prevent damage or injury. Take notice in the area and pay attention in areas to the east.

Most of the area is under a flash flood warning. After many places saw heavy rain earlier today, a new round of moderate to heavy rain is moving through. The earlier projections look light, if anything. Many places could see 2-4" of rain today, which comes on saturated soils.

The good news is that the rain should clear toward midnight and tomorrow looks dry and beautiful. But there will likely be significant water problems tonight for some spots.

flash flood watch

The entire area is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow morning. With all the recent rain the ground is already saturated, and today and tonight look likely to produce more heavy rain. 1-2" is a good bet across most of the area, with isolated 3-5" totals possible in spots that get stuck under a series of storms. Isolated severe weather is also possible. 

Severe t'storm watch, heavy rain

Severe t'storm watch for the area until 11pm. Several non-severe storms approaching from the west now. Big storms south near Joliet. All moving NE and most places will see storms tonight. Model estimated totals for the next 36 hrs are 1-3" across the area with local 4-5" totals possible.

Heavy rain

Starting tonight through tomorrow morning we're under the threat of heavy rain. An inch or more is a decent bet for almost the entire area (less north, more south) and certain spots could see a lot more than that. Areas along and south of I-80 are most favored, and given the deluge they've received recently the flooding threat is elevated there. Areas SW of Chicago are also under a tornado watch and isolated severe weather is possible throughout the area as well.

Weekend looks mixed. Saturday will be mostly dry (if cloudy) with just some light, passing showers. Sunday looks wet but won't be an all-day washout.

severe t-storm warning

A line of severe-warned thunderstorms is approaching from the west. Suburbs in Dupage are feeling the effects now, and if they hold together the storms will arrive along the lakefront before 5:00 pm. These are not terribly impressive storms, but CTG lightning, 60mph gusts, and small hail may occur along with brief heavy downpours.