National Weather Service officials are expecting Wednesday waves of showers and thunderstorms to hit the Chicago area capable of producing damaging winds and large hail and possibly tornadoes.

Hurricane-force winds were also reported in parts of the area. Wind gusts topped out at 81 mph in Valparaiso, Indiana, 75 mph in Lakes of the Four Seasons in Indiana, and 74 mph in Gary, Indiana, and Lynwood, Illinois.

A severe storm threat develops in Chicago around noon Wednesday, brining high winds, heavy rain, and threats of hail and isolated tornadoes.

Weather balloon releases — tracking temperature, pressure and wind speed — have been suspended or reduced in the Midwest and Great Plains.

The National Weather Service recorded 1.23 inches of rain at O'Hare Airport and 1.83 inches at Midway Airport.

There is a tornado watch in place for the afternoon and evening in Chicago's south suburbs and Northwest Indiana.

Another round of strong storms moved through the Chicago area Wednesday afternoon. There was a Tornado Warning for part of northwest Indiana, which has since expired.

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A tornado warning was issued in northwest Indiana and most Chicago-area counties saw severe thunderstorm warnings on an eventful Sunday afternoon.

Tornado season is here. Weather data tracked by The Courier Journal showed at least 66 tornadoes were recorded in Kentucky in 2024, but the weather phenomena come with a lot of myths.

Starting early Wednesday, the area could see showers, thunderstorms and wind gusts up to 30 mph, the National Weather Service said. Chicago's OEMC is advising residents to reduce water usage to put less stress on sewers.

April starts off relatively quiet and chilly before rain Tuesday night into Wednesday in Chicago. Clouds and sunshine are expected Tuesday, with highs in the 40s and 50s. By the evening, scattered rain showers develop.