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The Chicago area faces threats of isolated tornadoes and gusty winds Tuesday, but very large hail is also possible, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado watch has been issued for the entire area until 10pm on Tuesday, but meteorologists are also alerting the public that some dangerously large hail is likely as well.
According to the watch, there is a “high risk of hailstones,” with some hailstones potentially reaching 3 inches in diameter. For context, that's a little bigger than a baseball, according to NWS officials.
Hail of this size can not only damage windows, siding and roofs, but it can also cause serious damage to cars and can even cause bodily injury. It is estimated that such stones can fall from the sky at speeds of more than 40 miles per hour. .
Gusty winds may increase the risk of hail, prompting residents to seek shelter as severe storms move into the area. Frequent wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected throughout Tuesday evening, with some storms likely to reach 60 mph.
Other storms could produce hailstones more than an inch in diameter, or about the size of a golf ball, according to officials.
Any hailstone larger than one inch in diameter is considered “severe” in nature, according to NWS standards.
