‘Springlike storms’ bring threat of gusty winds, hail, flash flooding and warmer temps to Chicago area

Rounds of “spring-like storms” could potentially bring winds up to 70 mph, 70-degree temperatures, hail, flash flooding and an isolated tornado to the Chicago area Thursday.

While some rainfall has already reached the area Thursday morning, the best chance for severe weather will be from about 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The temperature at O’Hare was about 40 degrees as of 8 a.m. with highs expected to climb to nearly 70 degrees later Thursday.

The most intense storms could produce winds up to 70 mph, quarter-sized hail and the possibility of a tornado, the weather service said. Northwest Illinois is most at risk for a tornado, though one touching down is possible anywhere in the Chicago area, officials said.

A wind advisory was in effect for the Chicago area from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the weather service.

“It’s a lot of little things going on here today, Zachary Yack, a meteorologist at the weather service, said. “We just advise people to keep an eye on the forecast here today, and of course if one is issued for your area, seek proper precaution.”

The storm system behind the potentially severe weather was a “typical springtime storm system” moving through Kansas City into Iowa, Yack said. The Chicago area was on the “warm” side of the system which is driving the showers and storms.

The threat for severe storms will linger into Friday, though it’s uncertain whether those storms will reach the Chicago area due to the uncertainties of the front’s placement and timing, according to the weather service.