Tornado warnings blanket Chicago area Monday evening

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Weather update: Ahead of a potential extreme heat wave this week, the skies erupted in the Chicago area Monday afternoon and evening – prompting several tornado warnings.

The first Tornado Warning was issued for Cook and Kane counties at around 6 p.m. Shortly after, the City of Chicago was involved. Two warnings encompassed the entire city until 7:45 p.m.

Several areas in the city and suburbs reported extensive wind damage and power outages. At this time, there are over 75,000 ComEd customers experiencing outages.

The last Tornado Warning expired at 8:15 p.m. for Lake and Porter counties.

The storm came ahead of an extensive heat wave predicted for the area over the next few days.

Cooling areas are located at six community service centers and will be available Tuesday and Wednesday. Visitors are required to wear a face covering while in the cooling areas.

Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th Street
Garfield Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.

The oppressive heat and humidity will break as we head towards next weekend.

Original story:

CHICAGO — Afternoon storms are likely Monday ahead of dangerous heat that will move into the area.

The National Storm Prediction Center has the entire Chicago area under a slight risk of severe storms (yellow-shaded area on the map below) and this could be upgraded to an Enhanced risk.

Strong storms with potentially damaging winds exceeding 75 mph, large hail and even the possibility of tornadoes are likely to sweep SE over our area – reaching the Rockford/I-39 corridor as early as late morning and then progressing southeast across the remainder of northeast Illinois and Chicago into northwest Indiana early and mid-afternoon.

Be alert to the approach of this storm complex – watching to the northwest for the sign of increasing clouds/darkening skies.

Full forecast details and more at the WGN Weather Center blog

Hot and humid air moves in Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Heat Advisory from noon Tuesday through Wednesday at 8 p.m. Peak afternoon heat index values are expected to be between 105 to 109 degrees. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

Cooling Centers

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management advised anyone with heat issues to call 311. They also suggest visiting cooling centers, Chicago Park District splash pads and libraries.

Cooling areas are located at six community service centers and will be available Tuesday and Wednesday. Visitors are required to wear a face covering while in the cooling areas.