Severe weather timeline shows series of storms, possible tornadoes – NBC Chicago

The first of two rounds of heavy to severe showers and storms moved into the Chicago area Tuesday morning as a line of thunderstorms moved from west to east.

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, the first round of storms was expected to move into Cook County between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

ILLINOIS WEATHER RADAR: Track strong to severe storms heading toward the Chicago area

These storms were moving eastward at about 45 miles per hour, said NBC 5 meteorologist Alicia Roman. Roman added that the storms could contain gusty winds, small hail, heavy rain and lots of lightning.

“They could definitely pack a punch this morning,” Roman said, although Tuesday morning’s storms are not expected to become severe.

The first round of storms was expected to leave Chicago around 10 a.m. and head toward northwest Indiana, according to Roman.

Between approximately 10:00 a.m. and 1 p.m., dry weather was forecast, Roman said. However, a second round of storms with a higher risk of becoming severe was expected to arrive around 2 p.m. and last into the early evening.

Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., much of the Chicago area will be at “marginal” risk of severe weather, the National Weather Service said, ranking it at level one out of five. However, parts of Kankakee, Cook and Will counties in Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana will be at a “slight” risk of severe weather, which ranks as level two out of five.

During that window, damaging winds and damaging hail were expected, Roman said, adding that brief tornadoes were possible.

“All weather hazards will be in play,” Roman stressed of the afternoon storms.

High temperatures Tuesday were expected in the mid-70s, according to Roman.

Wednesday: more risk of storms

Although much of Wednesday is expected to remain dry, the active weather pattern could continue into Wednesday afternoon and evening, Roman said.

Wednesday’s storms could also become strong or violent, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures Wednesday will see a wider range, with highs between 70 and 80 degrees, the NWS said.

On Thursday, more chances of rain return, according to forecast models. Cooler temperatures are expected to end the week, Roman said.