A flood watch was issued Wednesday morning in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ahead of thunderstorms expected in Chicago and surrounding areas.
On Tuesday, weather officials said torrential and excessive rainfall is expected Wednesday, and up to 80 mph wind and large hail in portions of central and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana.
Several counties in Illinois are affected including, Will, Ford, Cook, DuPage, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake and Livingston. In Indiana, the flood watch includes Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties, officials said.
Officials warned creeks and streams may rise from banks due to torrential rainfall that is expected to be capable of producing at least two inches of rain per two hours. In some areas, the expected storm may dump two inches of rain per hour, officials said.
Soil moisture is already high in some areas, along with elevated stream flows, officials added.
While flash flooding is not certain Wednesday, officials warned it is possible based on recent forecasts. Be prepared to take action.
Conditions at Lake Michigan beaches also are dangerous as officials issued a beach hazard warning in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday. Between four- to seven-foot waves are expected with dangerous currents. The conditions are expected to remain dangerous for swimmers though the evening hours, officials said.
As of late morning, officials warned of wind gusts up to 50 mph, and issued a wind advisory.
Current afternoon conditions at both Chicago’s airports are light rain and windy at 57 degrees.