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.
- 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.
