The first of two rounds of potentially severe storms is "quickly approaching" the Chicago area, with destructive winds up to 75 miles-per-hour, damaging hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes all threatening the entire region.
Much of the area, particularly the southern and western suburbs along with portions of northwest Indiana, are now under a moderate risk for severe weather threats, meaning widespread severe storms are likely. The moderate threat level is the fourth of five-scale system from the Storm Prediction Center.
Previously, the threat level was at enhanced risk which is the third level on the system.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch to the west, NBC 5 Meteorologist Iisha Scott reports.
However, as the fast-moving storms quickly approach, that would could extend to the east, or turn into a warning.
Local
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Here's a breakdown of the differences between the two.
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Watches
A watch is issued when conditions are such that a severe weather event, such as a severe thunderstorm, a tornado or a winter event like a blizzard, is possible.
Watches tend to be widespread over large areas, as the NWS uses them when the forecasted movement and location of a storm system is still uncertain.
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When watches are issued, residents are urged to keep an eye on the forecast, and to prepare for the possibility of severe weather, taking extra precautions as needed.
Warnings
A warning is issued when a severe weather event is actively taking place. That can include a severe thunderstorm or a tornado, whether that tornado has been observed by trained weather spotters or has appeared as rotation on Doppler radar.
In the event of a warning, residents are urged to take shelter immediately, preferably in an interior room of a structure or in the basement if possible.
Live Radar: Track Severe Storms as Multiple Systems Move Into Chicago Area Friday
