Severe storms may impact Chicago-area Memorial Day traffic
CHICAGO (CBS) — Scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain in the forecast for the Chicago area through the late evening on Friday, after a round of storms moved through in the early afternoon.
A few storms Friday evening could turn severe. The main threats from any severe storms will be damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
The first wave of storms on Friday afternoon prompted a round of severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across the Chicago area. Most expired by 3 p.m., though a severe thunderstorm warning remained in effect until 3:45 p.m. for LaPorte County, Indiana.
Southwest suburbs like Tinley Park reported strong rain and hail the size of about an inch around 12:30 p.m. Hail from the size of pennies up to an inch also was reported in other suburbs and parts of northwest Indiana. The National Weather Service also reported scattered damage to trees in the Chatham,Calumet Heights, Avalon Park, South Shore, and Morgan Park neighborhoods in Chicago.
Storms may impact Memorial Day weekend travel.
Storms are expected to impact travelers heading out for the holiday weekend. Memorial Day travel will be the busiest in two decades with Triple A forecasting 43.8 million people nationwide will travel for the holiday, including 38.4 million by auto and 3.5 million by air.
CBS News Chicago traffic reporter Kris Haberheml said travers can expect delays around construction zones, including the Kenndy Expressway reversible lanes, the Tri-State Tollway work zone between O'Hare and Ogden, I-80 from New Lenox to Minooka, I-80/94 from Hammond to Gary and the Indiana Toll Road, which all have lane reductions, lane shifts and reduced work zone speed limits
Sunshine and cooler weather return on Saturday, which will be mostly sunny, dry and beautiful. Highs in the mid 70s.
Another round of potentially severe storms is possible Sunday. Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected Sunday from the morning through the late evening.
Forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms this evening, then turning dry overnight. Low 57.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and very nice. High 77.
Sunday: A 100% chance for scattered showers and storms. Some storms could be severe. High 74°
