Tornado watch

The threat for severe weather across much of the Chicago area was heightened Friday afternoon as weather alerts, including tornado watches, were issued for ...

Much of the area, particularly southern and western suburbs along with portions of northwest Indiana, are now under a moderate risk for severe weather threats, meaning widespread severe storms are likely. Our crews will be working around the clock to restore customers that experience outages quickly and safely.” Additionally, the morning hours could see a chance for some mixed precipitation. “The significant winds that will accompany this storm could be impactful to our customers and communities,” said Dave Perez, senior vice-president of Distribution Operations, ComEd. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, a wind advisory with gusty winds up to 50 miles per hour took effect at 3 p.m. With damaging winds and tornadoes expected, people are advised to be especially cautious and make the recommended preparations. A separate severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for LaPorte County, Indiana and slated to expire at 9:30 p.m. The storms will likely remain in the region for several hours before exiting around 11 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for McHenry, Lake, Cook, DuPage and Will counties until 9 p.m., advising of possible wind speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. A separate severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Lake County, Indiana, as well as southeastern Will and eastern Cook counties until 9 p.m. Earlier, an initial round of fierce storms swept through, bringing intense winds and large hail to numerous communities. Additionally, a tornado watch is in effect for the entire Chicago viewing area until 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

If severe weather hits in Iowa or around the central U.S., here's a look at the difference between a watch vs. warning.

[A tornado warning is more severe than a watch](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/03/03/tornadoes-what-you-should-know/9345302002/), according to the NWS. When a warning is issued, there is imminent danger and a tornado was spotted, or imminent. If you're in a car or mobile home, find the closest substantial shelter you can get to. So, when the National Weather Service issues its alerts, what do they mean? The violent weather phenomena is capable of destroying buildings and hurling objects like deadly missiles. Tornado warning?

Storms are most likely between 4pm and Midnight this evening. Damaging winds will be likely in most storms, but tornadoes are also possible.

When severe weather arrives, it's best to know what classifications you'll be hearing and seeing as forecasts develop. Author: Anna Kutz. Published: 2:10 ...

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for much of southern Wisconsin, including for Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.

The weather service said that a few tornadoes are possible across the region. It was expected to reach the Milwaukee metro area about 7 p.m. Friday as severe thunderstorms are expected to spread across the region.

The National Weather Service has canceled a tornado watch for several counties in the Kansas City area, but a wind warning remains.