Chicago Braces for Severe Storms
What happened
The Chicago area is facing a threat of severe weather, including heavy downpours and possible hail. Forecasts on February 20 indicated the potential for strong storms, prompting preparations across the region.
Why it matters
- The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northeast Illinois for Saturday, February 21, 2026, indicating a limited risk of snow, particularly during the night. - This weather pattern is part of a larger system that has brought winter storm warnings and advisories to other parts of the Great Lakes region, including Michigan, with forecasts of significant snow and ice accumulation. - The storm system moving east is expected to produce lake-effect snow over the Great Lakes through Monday, February 23, with potential snowfall rates of over an inch per hour in the heaviest bands. - Earlier on Thursday, this same weather system spawned tornadoes and near-hurricane force winds in other parts of Illinois and Indiana. - A wind advisory was in effect on Friday for parts of Illinois, with westerly winds gusting up to 45 mph. - The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms with large hail on Friday evening was highest in areas south of Interstate 80. - Following the storm system, temperatures in Chicago are expected to be in the 30s over the weekend, a significant drop from the 63 degrees recorded earlier in the week.
Key numbers
- Forecasts on February 20 indicated the potential for strong storms, prompting preparations across the region.
- - The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northeast Illinois for Saturday, February 21, 2026, indicating a limited risk of snow, particularly during the night.
- The storm system moving east is expected to produce lake-effect snow over the Great Lakes through Monday, February 23, with potential snowfall rates of over an inch per hour in the heaviest bands.
- A wind advisory was in effect on Friday for parts of Illinois, with westerly winds gusting up to 45 mph.
What happens next
- The storm system moving east is expected to produce lake-effect snow over the Great Lakes through Monday, February 23, with potential snowfall rates of over an inch per hour in the heaviest bands.
- Following the storm system, temperatures in Chicago are expected to be in the 30s over the weekend, a significant drop from the 63 degrees recorded earlier in the week.
Quick answers
What happened in Chicago Braces for Severe Storms?
The Chicago area is facing a threat of severe weather, including heavy downpours and possible hail. Forecasts on February 20 indicated the potential for strong storms, prompting preparations across the region.
Why does Chicago Braces for Severe Storms matter?
The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for northeast Illinois for Saturday, February 21, 2026, indicating a limited risk of snow, particularly during the night. This weather pattern is part of a larger system that has brought winter storm warnings and advisories to other parts of the Great Lakes region, including Michigan, with forecasts of significant snow and ice accumulation. The storm system moving east is expected to produce lake-effect snow over the Great Lakes through Monday, February 23, with potential snowfall rates of over an inch per hour in the heaviest bands. Earlier on Thursday, this same weather system spawned tornadoes and near-hurricane force winds in other parts of Illinois and Indiana. A wind advisory was in effect on Friday for parts of Illinois, with westerly winds gusting up to 45 mph. The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms with large hail on Friday evening was highest in areas south of Interstate 80. Following the storm system, temperatures in Chicago are expected to be in the 30s over the weekend, a significant drop from the 63 degrees recorded earlier in the week.
