Severe thunderstorms and gusty winds moved through the Chicago area Tuesday.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch at 1:28 p.m. for most of northeastern Illinois, which came to an end at 3:45 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 2:09 p.m. lasting until 2:45 p.m. for north-central Will County and southeastern Cook County. The National Weather Service said a few thunderstorms were expected to continue to pass through northern Illinois until 12 a.m.
The heaviest rainfall was reported across Will and southern Cook counties, with about 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. No confirmed tornadoes were sighted in the area.
In Hyde Park, small hail and heavy winds passed through the area shortly after 2:30 p.m., according to a Sun-Times journalist in the area, setting off car alarms on 53rd Street. By 2:45 p.m., the rain had mostly stopped.
Really intense hail in Hyde Park right now pic.twitter.com/JbupuLRfwE
— ellery jones (@elleryrjones) May 7, 2024
Video captured by another Sun-Times reporter earlier showed hail falling in suburban Palos Hills.
Rain quickly turned to hail for about a minute Tuesday afternoon in southwest suburban Palos Hills. pic.twitter.com/ZtHxONrUOA
— Mohammad Samra (@MoSamra16) May 7, 2024
The weather service also issued a flood advisory at 2:28 p.m., warning that minor flooding might occur in the Chicago area as a storm cell moved through Cook County and northern Lake County in Indiana.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago encouraged Chicagoans to reduce water use “before, during and after the storm” to minimize flooding and ensure water quality. Chicagoans can delay showers, flush less frequently and wait to run the dishwasher or washing machine.
There is increasing potential for wind gusts up to 70 mph across southern Cook County with this storm! https://t.co/FfF8HwZsoV
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 7, 2024
O’Hare Airport had canceled 119 flights by 4:45 p.m., and reported average delays of 67 minutes, according to Flychicago.com. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for flights to O’Hare until 5:45 p.m.
The FAA also reported average delay times of 30 minutes at Midway Airport.
Wednesday is expected to be partly sunny, with a high of 78 and showers in southern sections. Temperatures are forecast to cool Thursday and Friday, with highs in the mid-60s.
“Now that we’re heading into the warmer season, the potential for thunderstorms is going to be off and on,” said Jake Petr, a weather service meteorologist.
