Severe thunderstorms hit Chicago, enhanced risk of severe storms in northern Illinois and Indiana

Multiple alerts were issued across the Midwest on July 14, 2024, as severe thunderstorms rolled through the region, causing widespread damage. The severe weather threat is expected to continue until July 16.

• On July 15, the Midwest and Plains regions of the United States continued to experience severe weather conditions that have caused widespread damage and power outages over the past few days.
• The severe weather threat, which began on July 13, is expected to persist through July 16, affecting millions of residents across several states.

On July 14, the Chicago area experienced multiple weather alerts as fierce winds and heavy rains impacted the region. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for LaSalle, Will, and Grundy counties, as well as part of Kendall County, until 00:30 LT on July 15. Additionally, southeastern Cook County in Illinois, northern Lake County, and Porter County in Indiana were under a severe thunderstorm warning until midnight.

The NBC 5 Storm Team forecasts that temperatures on July 15 will likely soar into the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F), with high humidity pushing heat indices to 40 °C (105 °F) in the Chicago area.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed northern Illinois and northern Indiana at an “enhanced” risk of severe storms for the evening of July 15, with all severe weather threats possible, including torrential rains, gusty winds, hail, and a chance of tornadoes.

More severe thunderstorms are expected in the region according to the latest updates from NWS Chicago

More strong to severe thunderstorms are expected this evening and tonight with additional storms possible tomorrow, mainly south of I-80. After another toasty one today, conditions become much more comfortable closer to midweek. pic.twitter.com/IK8MjIAldd

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 15, 2024

With more heavy rain and thunderstorms expected this evening, renewed flash flooding may occur in areas that saw heavy rainfall and flooding over the past two nights. Take appropriate actions now to protect yourself and your belongings from floodwater. pic.twitter.com/NG1XbOxJvp

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 15, 2024

A heat advisory was also issued for northern and central Illinois where conditions are expected to be the hottest, as the temperatures might reach 37.8 – 43.3 °C (100-110 °F)

Dangerous heat and humidity will build across the region today, with afternoon heat indices in the 100-110° range. A heat advisory has been issued for portions of northern and central Illinois where conditions are expected to be the hottest. pic.twitter.com/bbCaab3I9w

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 15, 2024

The severe weather has already caused significant damage in some areas. In Joliet, Illinois, southwest of Chicago, major damage was reported on July 14. According to poweroutage.us, more than 10 000 utility customers in Will County were left without power.

The Joliet Police Department urged citizens to avoid travel and reported significant damage.

ACTIVE INCIDENT – JULY 14, 2024 9:15 AM

Large portions of the east and central areas of Joliet have sustained significant damage from this morning's storm and many areas are without power. Several roadways are closed/blocked due to fallen trees and debris. pic.twitter.com/7EdCj8aPNf

— Joliet Police Department (@JolietPolice) July 14, 2024

FOX 32 Chicago reported that roofs were torn away from buildings, including the Rock and Roll Museum. Many roads in the area have been closed, and police are urging people to stay away.

“Minneapolis will likely have their severe storms for the Monday morning commute,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Roys. “The storms in Milwaukee and Chicago will be closer to the evening commute and much of Michigan and Indiana, including Detroit and Indianapolis, will have their highest risk of severe thunderstorms during the overnight hours.”

“Across the Northeast, thunderstorms will have plenty of heat and humidity to work with along with energy that may be left over from the storms that affect the Ohio Valley on Sunday.” However, he noted that the risk of hail and tornadoes is negligible in the Northeast, with damaging winds and downpours being the main hazards, Roys added.

Looking ahead to July 16, the strongest storms will be from central Illinois to northwestern Ohio, where storms will be capable of producing flooding downpours, damaging wind gusts, and hail, according to Roys.

The severe weather outbreak follows a series of intense storms on July 13, which brought reports of tornadoes in North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as softball-sized hail and hurricane-force wind gusts.

As of July 15, more than 15 million people from Iowa through portions of southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and northern Indiana have been placed in a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe weather. This includes major cities such as Chicago, Aurora, and Rockford in Illinois, Fort Wayne in Indiana, and Des Moines in Iowa.

References:

¹ Severe thunderstorms leave major damage near Chicago as Plains, Midwest brace for more storms – FOXWeather– July 14, 2024

² Severe thunderstorm risk to stretch from Midwest to Northeast this week – AccuWeather – July 15, 2024

³ Severe weather threat looms across Chicago area – NBC – July 15, 2024

Featured image credit: Joliet Police Department