Live Updates: Hail, downpours and even tornadoes possible in Chicago area

Strong to severe storms could bring hail, heavy rainfall and even twisters to the Chicago area on Friday, with several counties under a tornado watch until 8 p.m.

After an afternoon of summer-like temperatures in the 70s and even 80s, storms and showers are expected to roll in around 5 p.m.

The vast majority of northeastern Illinois is under an “enhanced” risk of severe weather, ranking at a three out of five on the Storm Prediction Center scale, according to the National Weather Service.

The main threat of the storms is predicted to be damaging winds, but a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out, according to NWS.

Friday’s storms are expected to be the final round of severe weather in the Chicago area this week, landing as many are still tackling flooding and rising water levels from storms earlier this week.