Fall Storm System To Bring Strong Winds, Thunderstorms
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A mild and sunny start to the day on Wednesday will give way to a strong fall storm that will bring damaging winds to most of Illinois.
Temperatures were expected to reach a high in the low 60s on Wednesday, but the pleasant conditions won't last, as a major storm system moves in from the west.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters warned the winds could cause minor tree damage, make driving difficult, and cause possible power outages.
Shower activity is expected to begin around 7 p.m. in the Chicago area, and by 9 p.m., a line of storms extending from Wisconsin to southern Illinois could begin rolling through the western suburbs.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of isolated strong to severe storms Wednesday evening, with gusts of up to 60 mph, and minor wind damage possible. While there is only a marginal risk of severe weather for most of the Chicago area, there is a slight risk far south and west of the city, and an enhanced risk for much of central Illinois.
The storms won't present much of a threat of tornados or hail. The main threat is from damaging winds, although there is a low risk of isolated tornados far south and west of Chicago, mainly west of a line from Byron to Champaign.
After the rain clears out late Wednesday night, strong winds will continue through midday Thursday, with gusts of 45 to 50 mph.
It also will be much cooler on Thursday, with a high of only about 49, as well as Friday, when the temperature will only reach the low 40s.
The weekend will be warmer, though, with temperatures in the low 50s on Saturday, and the high 50s on Sunday.
