Beach hazard statement in effect in Chicago: Helene's remnants could fuel 7- to 10-foot waves
CHICAGO (CBS) — Helene made landfall in Florida, and its remnants will impact the Chicago area on Friday. Wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour are possible Friday with highs in the upper 70s.
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement is in effect until 7 a.m. Sunday. At Lake Michigan beaches, expect high wave action and dangerous currents, with waves of 7 to 10 feet.
Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida late Thursday night as a category 4 hurricane. It had built up as a devastating major hurricane with wind gusts as high as 140 miles per hour. On Friday, it was downgraded to a tropical storm.
The Chicago area's wind will be strongest along and south of Interstate 80, where gusts may reach 45 mph from 11 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday. A wind advisory is in effect for Kankakee, Newton, and Jasper counties until midnight Friday for the potential of a few downed tree limbs and even brief, localized power outages.
What to expect from the forecast this weekend
Mostly cloudy and breezy. High of 76. Breezy wind to 25 with gusts to 40 mph possible. Rain is expected in the city by tonight.
Expect rain showers and a high of 72. There will be another rain chance with a high of 73.