Note: This story is no longer being updated. You can find the latest information here.
Multiple tornado warnings were issued for northern Illinois on Tuesday amid an outbreak of severe weather.
A tornado watch has also been issued until 10 p.m., with the watch including the entire NBC 5 viewing area in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado warning remains in effect for Lake County until 8:30 p.m., NWS officials said.
Severe thunderstorm warnings are also in effect across nearly all of northeastern Illinois until 8:15 p.m., with half-dollar-sized hail possible and wind gusts greater than 70 mph.
Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the area in the evening hours ahead of a fast-moving cold front, with tornadoes, hail and gusty winds expected as part of the storms.
The Storm Prediction Center also upgraded the entire Chicago area to an “increased” risk for severe weather, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and diameters of up to 2 inches possible as well as the possibility of “major” tornadoes.
According to SPC, severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Tuesday evening. These storms could eventually produce tornadoes, “some of which could be large,” according to officials. The main tornado threat will likely develop along and south of Interstate 80, according to the National Weather Service.
Other threats include heavy rainfall and gusty winds, and these threats could affect the entire region. Wind gusts will reach over 60 mph at times, which can damage tree limbs, power lines and unsecured items outside.
The “enhanced” danger area is likely to see the worst hail, two inches or more in diameter, according to the alerts.
Storms are expected to move out of the area by the late evening hours, and once they do, temperatures will drop significantly, dropping into the 30s overnight and into the 20s by Wednesday morning.
The chance of snow accumulation remains as a low pressure system leaves the area, with heavy accumulations expected west of the Chicago area because there is enough moisture and temperatures will cool faster than other parts of the state.
