UPDATE: Earlier tornado watches have mostly been canceled, with the exception of northwest Indiana. You can find the latest details here.
Earlier ground stops at both O'Hare and Midway International Airports have been lifted after severe thunderstorms made their way through the Chicago area.
Strong to severe storms with damaging winds, heavy rain and hail remain possible later on Tuesday in the Chicago area, with a tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m.
Around 9 a.m., both Chicago O'Hare and Midway International Airports had issued alerts due to thunderstorms, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. At O'Hare, a ground delay was issued through 9:45 a.m. At Midway, a ground stop was issued but lifted around 9:15 a.m.
As of 1:30 p.m. 72 O'Hare flights had been canceled, with average delays close to an hour, according to FlyChicago.com.
Severe weather threat looms over Chicago area
ILLINOIS WEATHER RADAR: Track strong to severe storms headed to Chicago area
Local
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in several counties, with a tornado warning also issued in McHenry County amid an outbreak of severe weather.
The storms were causing gusty winds and large hail, leading to ground stops at both airports.
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Between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., much of the Chicago area will be under a "marginal" risk of severe weather, the National Weather Service said, which ranks as level one 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 of five.
According to Roman, high temperatures Tuesday were expected in the mid 70s.
Wednesday: More storm chances
While much of Wednesday was expected to remain dry, the active weather pattern could continue Wednesday afternoon and evening, Roman said.
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday's storms also have the potential to turn strong or severe.
Temperatures Wednesday will see a wider range, with highs in the low 70s to low 80s, the NWS said.
Thursday, more rain chances return, forecast models show. Cooler temperatures are set to end the week, Roman said.
