Tornado Watch for entire Chicago area as outbreak possible Thursday; highest threat in west suburbs

Key Points:

• Chicago faces a severe weather threat Thursday with a Tornado Watch in effect until 9 p.m. across multiple counties in Illinois and Indiana, and a High Wind Warning until 4 p.m. for damaging winds up to 60 mph.
• The National Weather Service has upgraded the Chicago area to a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms, highlighting a notably higher threat of violent tornadoes, including potential EF-4 and EF-5 strength, especially between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Residents are urged to be prepared to seek immediate shelter if a tornado warning is issued, following safety guidelines such as moving to interior rooms without windows or basements, and avoiding mobile homes and vehicles.
• Outdoor concerts at Wrigley Field and Huntington Bank Pavilion are at risk due to the severe weather forecast, with event organizers monitoring conditions and delaying gate openings but not yet canceling.
• The severe weather follows significant storm damage Wednesday, causing widespread power outages affecting nearly 200,000 ComEd customers, with restoration expected by Saturday night; improved weather with sunshine and lower humidity is forecast for Friday and the weekend.