Tornado Watch: Extremely dangerous storms are coming toward Chicago, propagating tornado warnings, and with the potential of a violent tornado outbreak on Thursday night. A Tornado Warning is in effect for La Salle and Livingston counties until 6:15 PM. However, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for LaSalle County until 5:45 PM.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tornado Watch for Chicago, flood watch, wind warning, and more.
Tornado Watch for Chicago
A Tornado Watch is in effect for the entire Chicago area, including:Â
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Boone
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Cook
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DuPage
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Grundy
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Kane
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McHenry
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De KalbÂ
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Kankakee
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Lake
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La SalleÂ
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Kendall
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LivingstonÂ
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LeeÂ
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OgleÂ
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Will
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WinnebagoÂ
Tornado Watch for Chicago: High Wind Warning
A High Wind Warning is in effect for Chicago and the surrounding area and Northwest Indiana until 4:00 PM for a brief period of damaging winds up to 60 miles per hour. The wind is expected to knock down trees and affect power lines, and could be dangerous for tall vehicles on roads.
The Chicago area has been upgraded to a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms. The National Weather Service warns that the threat for tornadoes is higher on Thursday than typical during severe weather events, and the threat for more dangerous and violent tornadoes is also increased.Â
Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the weather on Thursday and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.
Tornado Watch for Chicago: Flood Watch
A Flood Watch has been issued for Chicago, Lake, and Porter counties in Indiana until 11:00 PM.
However, the much greater danger is in the afternoon and evening, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, as heat, humidity, and strong winds in the atmosphere combine to create an environment favorable for severe weather.
How to Stay Safe during a Tornado Warning
The NWS issues a tornado watch when conditions are right for a tornado to form in an area:
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Immediately seek shelter in your basement or the lowest floor of your home or building in an interior room without windows.
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In homes or public buildings, if you do not have access to a basement, go to a small interior room like a bathroom, closet, or interior hallway on the lowest level.
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If you are in a mobile home, leave in advance of the weather and take shelter immediately for the duration of a storm in a sturdy building.
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If you are outside, in a vehicle, or don’t have access to a sturdy building, get into the nearest ditch, low spot, or underground culvert, lie down flat on your belly, and cover your head with your hands for protection.
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Stay away from doors, windows, outside walls, and protect your head.
It is advisable to keep your phone charged and put a small kit with water, flashlights, a radio, and any vital medications in case you need to take shelter for a longer period.
