Updated

Updated · NBC Chicago · Aug 13

Chicago Braces for 3 Days of Severe Storms as 60 MPH Winds and 3 Inches of Rain Threaten

Updated

Updated · NBC Chicago · Aug 13

Chicago Braces for 3 Days of Severe Storms as 60 MPH Winds and 3 Inches of Rain Threaten

Q: As relentless rains threaten the region, exactly when will the Chicago area finally escape this dangerous cycle of severe weather?

Chicago is not expected to get a real break until early next week, with the stormy pattern likely persisting through Sunday and, in some forecasts, into Monday evening. NBC 5’s forecast says repeated rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected Thursday and Friday, with rain potentially lingering through much of Saturday because of a slow-moving low-pressure system. Showers could return again Sunday, keeping the flash-flood threat alive after several already saturated days. The key concern is not just isolated severe storms with gusty winds and hail, but repeated heavy downpours over the same areas. Forecasters say “training” storms could quickly push rainfall totals higher and worsen flooding on roads, in basements, and in low-lying neighborhoods across parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties. If the forecast holds, the pattern should finally begin to ease early next week. NBC 5 points to drier weather and more comfortable temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s starting Monday or Tuesday. Some related regional forecasts suggest any remaining storm chances could fade by Monday evening, with Tuesday looking calmer and sunnier. So, for residents waiting out this dangerous stretch, the best estimate is that Chicago begins to escape it late Monday into Tuesday, after an unsettled and potentially flood-prone weekend.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Chicago · Aug 13

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to hit the Chicago area from Thursday through Saturday, with the strongest threats including 60 mph winds, hail, flooding and a slight tornado risk south of the city.
Thursday’s first round begins around 11 a.m. and intensifies eastward by early afternoon, with southern suburbs again expected to take the heaviest rain and gustiest winds during the commute and overnight.
Rain totals could top 3 inches in southern areas by 6 p.m. Friday, while flood watches, river flood warnings and an early dense fog advisory add to hazards already in place.
Friday brings widespread morning rain and another isolated afternoon storm chance, followed by a fresh round Friday night into Saturday, when the entire Chicago area falls under a marginal severe-weather risk.
The renewed storm threat comes days after at least five confirmed tornadoes touched down in the Chicago area during a destructive derecho, with more showers and storms still expected Sunday.