Severe Thunderstorms, Possible Tornadoes Hit Chicago Area; Temperatures Plunge and Snow Expected
Chicago residents experienced a turbulent weather event on Tuesday as severe thunderstorms swept through the area, leaving behind a trail of damage and disruption. The storms brought with them damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes. While it is yet to be confirmed, residents reported tornadoes touching down in Sugar Grove, Hinckley, and Waterman. Funnel clouds were also spotted in other far suburbs and near Schaumburg.
The National Weather Service issued warnings for scattered thunderstorms with the potential for severe weather, including destructive hail, damaging winds, and the chance of isolated tornadoes. The areas near and south of I-80 were identified as being at a higher risk. The NWS urged residents to stay tuned for updates on the developing weather conditions.
The thunderstorms brought wind gusts that were initially expected to reach up to 70 mph, causing power outages and commuter delays. O’Hare International Airport even implemented a brief ground stop to ensure the safety of travelers. Metra trains experienced delays in the west suburbs due to downed trees on the tracks in Elburn.
Following the severe weather, a cold front moved into the Chicago area, resulting in a sharp drop in temperatures. By late Tuesday, temperatures had plummeted into the 40s and were expected to reach as low as 23 degrees overnight. This sudden change came after an unseasonably warm day that saw temperatures reach 74 degrees, missing the record for February 27th by just one degree. Rockford experienced even higher temperatures, hitting a record-breaking high of 78 degrees.
As the storm system moved out, rain was anticipated to return before 4 a.m. Wednesday, transitioning into light snow throughout the morning. Additionally, a wind advisory was issued for most of northern Illinois until 6 a.m. Wednesday, warning of gusts up to 45 mph. Despite the wintry conditions, temperatures were projected to rise again later in the week, with highs of 43 degrees on Thursday, nearly 50 degrees on Friday, and even reaching the 60s over the weekend.
Interestingly, this unusual warmth is contributing to what might become Chicago’s warmest February in recorded history. The current record stands at an average temperature of 39 degrees, set in 1882. However, based on the weather patterns observed so far and the latest predictions for the end of the month, this February is on track to surpass that record by a slight margin, with a projected average temperature of 39.2 degrees.
Chicago’s unpredictable weather has once again taken its toll on the city and its residents. While the severe thunderstorms caused disruption and damage, the subsequent drop in temperatures and the impending snow remind us that winter is not yet ready to release its grip. Nonetheless, Chicagoans can take solace in the knowledge that warmer days are on the horizon, as this February continues to break records for its uncharacteristic warmth.
