Following a morning of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds, the threat of tornadoes loomed late Monday morning over parts of the Chicago area as the National Weather Service issued warning and watches spanning from DuPage County in Illinois to Porter County in Indiana.
Just before 10 a.m., a Tornado warning was issued for central DuPage County, "with a thunderstorm capable of producing a brief spin-up tornado over Warrenville and Naperville."
According to the NWS, that warning expired at 10:15 a.m.
Later Monday morning, in parts of southeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana, a Tornado watch was issued. However, that watch soon turned into a warning across Jasper, Newton, Porter and LaPorte counties.
According to the NWS, quarter-sized hail is also possible in those areas.
Earlier Monday, forecast models waivered on the severity of the storm, with the NWS early Monday indicating that "a brief tornado or two" could not be ruled out. But update shortly after that indicated that "the severe weather threat appears to be diminishing."
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Several hours later, the Tornado watches and warnings were issued.
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Earlier reports showed the strongest parts of the storm likely to be in southern Kankakee county and into Northwest Indiana. However, the entire Chicago area has seen heavy, on-and-off downpours throughout the morning.
Steady, Heavy Rain and Thunder Through Morning
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, steady, heavy rain is expected to continue developing throughout the morning, impacting roads and highways as commuters make their way to work.
"Some rain could be heavy at times, and a few storms could be on the strong/severe side during the morning hours," NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman says.
Early Monday, the NWS reported the severe weather threat most likely to be at its greatest Monday between 7 a.m. and noon, along and south of Interstate 80, potentially extending into Chicago. However, around 5 a.m. Monday, lightning, thunder and rain were widespread across the area, stretching from McHenry County to Central Cook and into Northwest Indiana.
As the storm moves to the east, Monday after 12 p.m. is expected to be mainly dry, with a slight chance of isolated showers in some areas through the evening commute. When all is said and done, forecast models show rain totals are likely to clock in over an inch, with 1.18 inches predicted at O'Hare International Airport.
There's some good news, though: temperatures are expected to be nearly 15 degrees above average, with highs in the 50s. However, wind gusts near 40 miles per hour are likely to make things feel colder.
2 Confirmed Tornados
Although much of the area will see rain, thunder, lightning and gusty winds, other parts will see stronger storms with damaging winds up to 60 miles per hour, the NBC 5 Storm Team says.
According to forecast models, the chance for such weather will be the highest south of the Kankakee River, and along and south of Interstate 80, forecast models show.
And while the NWS earlier Monday said the threat of severe weather was "diminishing," a a slew of tornado watches and warnings were issued throughout the 10 a.m. hour.
According to initial reports from the NWS Storm Prediction Center, a possible tornado was reported on the ground in Champaign. Additionally, there were reports that a "brief tornado" touched down in DuPage County, and reports of wind damage from a "possible tornado in Kendall County.
The National Weather Service later confirmed two "brief tornadoes" touched down in two Chicago suburbs during the storms. Those included one in far western Joliet and one on the far north side of Naperville.
Both the strong storms and heavy rain will likely move out by noon Monday, the NBC 5 Storm Team says.
Storm Moves Out in Afternoon
Although widespread rain is expected to come to an end around noon, some isolated showers are possible in the afternoon. The rain will subside in the evening, when the focus will shift to the wind, the NBC 5 Storm Team says, with strong gusts expected across most of the region.
While some winds are expected to remain Tuesday, the day will shape up to be much more comfortable and peaceful, with partly sunny skies and high temperatures in the low 50s.
