Sat Mar 15 07:50:00 UTC 2025: **Chicago Area Faces High Wind Threat, Power Outages Reported as Severe Storms Approach**
CHICAGO (October 26, 2024) – The Chicago area is bracing for a severe weather system bringing damaging winds and a high risk of fire, with several weather alerts in effect Friday night. A line of thunderstorms is forecast to hit between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service to upgrade the severe weather threat level to 3-4 out of 5.
Wind gusts of up to 70-75 mph – equivalent to hurricane-force winds – are possible, posing a significant threat to structures and trees. Isolated tornadoes remain a possibility. Already, the storm has caused damage in surrounding areas. DuPage County reports downed power lines and closed roads (Pritchard Road between Perry Road and Harter Road), while Aurora is experiencing outages affecting approximately 218 customers.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are in effect for several counties in Indiana and Illinois, including a Tornado Warning extension for Lake County, Indiana until 1:45 a.m. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday for numerous counties in northeastern Illinois.
Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and have multiple methods for receiving weather alerts, including downloading the Fox Weather app, as warnings may be issued overnight. The NWS advises residents to prepare for potential power outages and property damage and to monitor weather updates closely.
First Piper 