Alert archive / Illinois / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2025
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 21, NWS Chicago, IL
NWS Chicago, IL issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Mar 30, 2025, 2:17 PM CDT for Cook County, Will County, Illinois; Lake County, Indiana. It was in force for 43 min. 34 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Mar 30, 2025, 2:17 PM CDT (19:17 UTC)
- Expired
- Mar 30, 2025, 3:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 43 min
- Issued by
- NWS Chicago, IL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Possible
- Hail
- 0.75 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Cook County, IL, Will County, IL, Lake County, IN
The radar
The Chicago radar (KLOT), 40 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:21 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 2:31 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Orland Hills, IL | 1.5 inch diameter tree branch broken near Chadbourn Drive and 88th Avenue in Orland Hills. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:31 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Orland Hills, IL | 1.5 inch diameter tree branch broken near Chadbourn Drive and 88th Avenue in Orland Hills. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:31 PM CDT | HAIL 0.7 | 1 Wnw Tinley Park, IL | Dime size hail reported in Tinley Park near 84th Avenue and 171st Street. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:31 PM CDT | HAIL 0.7 | 1 Wnw Tinley Park, IL | Dime size hail reported in Tinley Park near 84th Avenue and 171st Street. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:39 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Steger, IL | Roof blown off building near Sauk Trail and Holeman Avenue in Steger. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:39 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Steger, IL | Roof blown off building near Sauk Trail and Holeman Avenue in Steger. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:40 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ssw West Pullman - Ch, IL | Public report of small tree branches downed near 12th Place and Parnell Avenue in West Pullman Community area of Chicago. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:40 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ssw West Pullman - Ch, IL | Public report of small tree branches downed near 12th Place and Parnell Avenue in West Pullman Community area of Chicago. Time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:40 PM CDT | HAIL 0.75 | 1 Sw Evergreen Park, IL | Relayed via mping. |
| Mar 30, 2:40 PM CDT | HAIL 0.75 | 1 Sw Evergreen Park, IL | Relayed via mping. |
| Mar 30, 2:44 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Pullman - Chicago, IL | A few scattered reports of tree branches downed in the East Side, Calumet Heights, Roseland, Burnside, Pullman, South Deering, and Riverdale community areas of Chicago. Relayed by Chicago311, time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:44 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Pullman - Chicago, IL | A few scattered reports of tree branches downed in the East Side, Calumet Heights, Roseland, Burnside, Pullman, South Deering, and Riverdale community areas of Chicago. Relayed by Chicago311, time estimated by radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:45 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 74 | 1 Wsw Lynwood, IL | Private weather station reported reported 74 mph gust near Ford Heights. |
| Mar 30, 2:45 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 74 | 1 Wsw Lynwood, IL | Private weather station reported reported 74 mph gust near Ford Heights. |
| Mar 30, 2:48 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sw Dyer, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in Dyer. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:48 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sw Dyer, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in Dyer. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:49 PM CDT | MARINE TSTM WIND 52 | 1 Se South Chicago, IL | Buoy station CMTI2 Calumet Harbor. |
| Mar 30, 2:49 PM CDT | MARINE TSTM WIND 52 | 1 Se South Chicago, IL | Buoy station CMTI2 Calumet Harbor. |
| Mar 30, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Hammond, IN | Report of several trees down some over 2 inches in diameter. Time estimated from radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Hammond, IN | Report of several trees down some over 2 inches in diameter. Time estimated from radar. |
| Mar 30, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Nnw Hammond, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in Hammond. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Nnw Hammond, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in Hammond. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Highland, IN | Lake County EMA reports tree or large branch on house in Highland. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Highland, IN | Lake County EMA reports tree or large branch on house in Highland. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:51 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 60 | 1 Sse Munster, IN | Private weather station reported 60 mph gust in Munster. |
| Mar 30, 2:51 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 60 | 1 Sse Munster, IN | Private weather station reported 60 mph gust in Munster. |
| Mar 30, 2:53 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Wsw East Chicago, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in East Chicago. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:53 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Wsw East Chicago, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in East Chicago. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:53 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 60 | 1 Nw East Chicago, IN | WxFlow station Cline Avenue Bridge. |
| Mar 30, 2:53 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 60 | 1 Nw East Chicago, IN | WxFlow station Cline Avenue Bridge. |
| Mar 30, 2:55 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Gary, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in Gary. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:55 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Gary, IN | Lake County EMA reports power poles snapped in Gary. Time estimated by radar, location approximate. |
| Mar 30, 2:55 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 74 | Gary Airport, IN | Gary Airport GYY reported 74 mph gust. Winds sustained at 48 mph for 10 minutes. |
| Mar 30, 2:55 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 74 | Gary Airport, IN | Gary Airport GYY reported 74 mph gust. Winds sustained at 48 mph for 10 minutes. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 14 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 14 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 1:13 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 5 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 7.3 hours before the alert went out and 187 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 217 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -115 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 796 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 30 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 297 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 279 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
219
WUUS53 KLOT 301917
SVRLOT
ILC031-197-INC089-302000-
/O.NEW.KLOT.SV.W.0021.250330T1917Z-250330T2000Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
217 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Central Will County in northeastern Illinois...
Southeastern Cook County in northeastern Illinois...
Northwestern Lake County in northwestern Indiana...
* Until 300 PM CDT.
* At 217 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Manhattan, or
near New Lenox, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Frankfort Square, Palos Heights, West Town, Dyer, Preston Heights,
Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Oak Lawn, Merrionette Park, Orland Hills,
Summit, Near North Side, Stickney, Crestwood, East Chicago, Lower
West Side, Avalon Park, Grand Boulevard, Calumet City, South
Deering, Hyde Park, South Chicago, Glenwood, South Shore, and
Roseland.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northeastern
Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
&&
LAT...LON 4130 8769 4129 8799 4139 8809 4150 8813
4195 8764 4190 8762 4190 8760 4188 8762
4187 8761 4183 8760 4172 8752 4171 8753
4167 8747 4167 8744 4168 8743 4165 8744
4164 8743 4162 8729 4161 8728
TIME...MOT...LOC 1917Z 222DEG 47KT 4145 8801
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Borchardt3 follow-up statements
339
WWUS53 KLOT 301926
SVSLOT
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
226 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
ILC031-197-INC089-302000-
/O.CON.KLOT.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-250330T2000Z/
Will IL-Cook IL-Lake IN-
226 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR CENTRAL WILL...SOUTHEASTERN COOK AND NORTHWESTERN LAKE
COUNTIES...
At 225 PM CDT, a line of severe thunderstorms was located
from Homer Glen to Peotone, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...60 to 70 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Frankfort Square, Palos Heights, West Town, Dyer, Chicago Lawn,
Englewood, Oak Lawn, Merrionette Park, Orland Hills, Near North Side,
Stickney, Crestwood, East Chicago, Lower West Side, Avalon Park,
Grand Boulevard, Calumet City, South Deering, Hyde Park, South
Chicago, Glenwood, South Shore, Roseland, Griffith, and Near South
Side.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northeastern
Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4130 8769 4130 8788 4140 8793 4158 8803
4195 8764 4190 8762 4190 8760 4188 8762
4187 8761 4183 8760 4172 8752 4171 8753
4167 8747 4167 8744 4168 8743 4165 8744
4164 8743 4162 8729 4161 8728
TIME...MOT...LOC 1925Z 222DEG 47KT 4153 8791
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Borchardt828
WWUS53 KLOT 301931
SVSLOT
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
231 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
ILC031-197-INC089-302000-
/O.CON.KLOT.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-250330T2000Z/
Will IL-Cook IL-Lake IN-
231 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR EASTERN WILL...SOUTHEASTERN COOK AND NORTHWESTERN LAKE
COUNTIES...
At 231 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Orland Park,
moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts. The strongest winds are moving into Oak
Forest, Midlothian, Harvey, and Blue Island.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile
homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
Locations impacted include...
Frankfort Square, Palos Heights, West Town, Dyer, Chicago Lawn,
Englewood, Oak Lawn, Merrionette Park, Orland Hills, Near North Side,
Stickney, Crestwood, East Chicago, Lower West Side, Avalon Park,
Grand Boulevard, Calumet City, South Deering, Hyde Park, South
Chicago, Glenwood, South Shore, Roseland, Griffith, and Near South
Side.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northeastern
Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4130 8769 4134 8778 4151 8785 4163 8798
4195 8764 4190 8762 4190 8760 4188 8762
4187 8761 4183 8760 4172 8752 4171 8753
4167 8747 4167 8744 4168 8743 4165 8744
4164 8743 4162 8729 4161 8728
TIME...MOT...LOC 1931Z 222DEG 47KT 4159 8783
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
Borchardt190
WWUS53 KLOT 301942
SVSLOT
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
242 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
ILC197-301951-
/O.CAN.KLOT.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-250330T2000Z/
Will IL-
242 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN WILL COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northeastern
Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
&&
LAT...LON 4143 8752 4147 8753 4147 8764 4157 8775
4173 8787 4195 8764 4190 8762 4189 8761
4188 8762 4183 8760 4172 8752 4171 8753
4167 8747 4167 8744 4168 8743 4165 8744
4164 8743 4162 8729 4161 8728
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 222DEG 47KT 4170 8770
$$
ILC031-INC089-302000-
/O.CON.KLOT.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-250330T2000Z/
Cook IL-Lake IN-
242 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN COOK AND NORTHWESTERN LAKE COUNTIES...
At 241 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Merrionette
Park, or over Alsip, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Automated equipment. A 60 mph wind gust was measured in Oak
Forest with these storms!
IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile
homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
Locations impacted include...
Palos Heights, West Town, Dyer, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Oak Lawn,
Merrionette Park, Near North Side, Stickney, Crestwood, East Chicago,
Lower West Side, Avalon Park, Grand Boulevard, Calumet City, South
Deering, Hyde Park, South Chicago, Glenwood, South Shore, Roseland,
Griffith, Near South Side, Woodlawn, and Armour Square.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northeastern
Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4143 8752 4147 8753 4147 8764 4157 8775
4173 8787 4195 8764 4190 8762 4189 8761
4188 8762 4183 8760 4172 8752 4171 8753
4167 8747 4167 8744 4168 8743 4165 8744
4164 8743 4162 8729 4161 8728
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 222DEG 47KT 4170 8770
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
BorchardtWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Chicago, IL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Mar 30, 12:38 PM CDT, 1 hour 39 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- There is a threat for severe weather areawide on Sunday especially between 11 AM and 5 PM CDT that includes all hazards (damaging winds, damaging hail, tornadoes).
- A period of below average temperatures is expected Monday and Tuesday before another storm system (with a threat for severe weather) arrives on Wednesday.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 30, 12:38 PM CDT, 1 hour 39 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, IL
1238 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- There is a threat for severe weather areawide on Sunday
especially between 11 AM and 5 PM CDT that includes all
hazards (damaging winds, damaging hail, tornadoes).
- A period of below average temperatures is expected Monday and
Tuesday before another storm system (with a threat for severe
weather) arrives on Wednesday.
&&
.MESOSCALE...
Issued at 1048 AM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
We continue to closely monitor and analyze the mesoscale
environment across our area and to the southwest for the
development of severe convection over the next several hours. A
MCV tied into the broader mid-level trough is well-defined and
centered roughly 100 miles west of St. Louis as of 10am. While
the MCV has been mostly benign through the morning, it will
begin to interact with a plume of mid 60s dew points and notable
ongoing clearing just east of the Mississippi River and into
central Illinois.
Expectations are that convection should erupt within the next
hour or so over or just east of the MS River. An incoming 60
knot mid-level jet, 0-1km shear surpassing 25 knots with more
than 60 degrees off the orientation of the convection, and
impressive 0-3km CAPE values over 150 j/kg should yield rapid
upscale growth of a line of severe convection east of I-55
through mid-afternoon. Damaging wind can be expected, with large
hail also possible with any embedded supercell structures. Also,
significant wind (>75 mph) would be favored with any localized
bowing segments of the convection.
With the MCV/wave expected to track within a county or so of
I-55, severe convection could extend well into the Chicago
metro. A localized tornado threat will also exist over the
Chicago metro (and with any kinks in the main line) where the
trajectory of convection arcing into the MCV would maximize
effective low-level shear.
Kluber
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 313 AM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
Through Monday:
Primary forecast concern remains severe potential today.
In the short term, widespread light rain and drizzle developed
late Saturday evening and is slowly lifting northeast across
northeast IL. This is expected to end by daybreak. The frontal
boundary will slowly lift back north, though only medium
confidence on how fast this occurs. While areas of fog will
remain possible, especially along the Lake Michigan shore, low
level winds are already in the 20-30kt range and this is likely
keeping the low levels mixed just enough to prevent dense fog,
but will continue to monitor trends early this morning.
An area of thunderstorms across northeast IA will continue
lifting northeast through daybreak and may move across the far
northwest cwa and possibly the Rockford area. These storms are
not expected to be severe but gusty winds and small hail would
be possible.
Attention then turns to ongoing convection moving northeast into
western MO and how this activity will influence the convective
evolution for the local area later today. It appears there are
three possible scenarios. The first, the current convection
continues moving northeast and into the western half of the cwa,
perhaps west of I-57. While this activity would likely have
gusty winds and small hail and perhaps even an isolated severe
storm, this would help stabilize the northern cwa with later/new
convection likely ending up across the southeast half or third
of the cwa. Current timing would suggest an arrival into the
southwest cwa in the 14z hour and then spreading across the cwa
through late morning. The HRRR has been consistently showing
this possibility for many runs.
The second scenario is the activity entering MO slows and
weakens and then reignites midday over the cwa, which will would
then allow for a severe threat further north, including much of
the Chicago metro. The RAP and to some extent the NAMnest
suggest this possibility.
The third possibility, the activity moving in MO weakens/
dissipates and this morning is somewhat quiet, until new storms
develop. This too would bring the severe threat further north
and into the Chicago metro area. The ECMWF had been showing this
possibility for several runs but with the 00z run, now has at
least isolated activity this morning, making this probably the
least likely of the three possibilities.
Despite the uncertainty, the overall message remains the same.
Low pressure will pass across the northern cwa this afternoon,
with thunderstorms expected, some severe, with the highest
coverage and best severe potential, likely south of I-80. The
new SPC Day1 outlook is very similar to the previous Day2
outlook. Higher confidence will materialize as trends emerge
with the convection moving through MO this morning.
Any storms that develop today will be racing to the northeast
at 50-60 mph and it appears the activity will be east of the cwa
by 22z-23z. Have adjusted pops accordingly, going dry in the
west by late afternoon as a cold front moves across the area.
After highs in the mid/upper 60s northwest, lower 70s rest of
the area today, temps will steadily drop tonight with lows
Monday morning in the lower/mid 30s. Southwest winds may gust as
high as 35 mph today, then turn west/northwest behind the front
and while speeds/gusts will diminish some by Monday morning,
wind chills may be in the 20s for much of the area.
Precip trends for tonight have steadily lowered with most of the
models suggesting only a few rain/snow showers across the
northeast cwa and have lowered pops to low chance. Much of the
southwest/southern cwa may end up dry. Highs only reach the mid
40s Monday with winds turning off Lake Michigan Monday
afternoon. cms
Monday Night through Saturday:
After a chilly start to the work week temperatures will
gradually moderate toward midweek when multiple rounds of
thunderstorms are possible late Tuesday night through Wednesday,
some of which could be severe.
Another low pressure system is forecast to lift across the
Upper Midwest toward midweek which will bring yet another period
of inclement weather to the local area. Guidance has trended
more consistently earlier with the onset of showers and
thunderstorms, with strong to possibly severe thunderstorms
moving into the area as early as the pre-dawn hours early
Wednesday morning (potentially in a weakening phase) near and
west of I-39. This coincides with where the Storm Prediction
Center introduced a Level 2 of 5 severe weather threat on Day
3. Additional waves of showers and storms are possible through
the day on Wednesday. Depending on the timing of storms exiting
in the morning there is a window for another round of strong to
severe storms in the afternoon and early evening. Similar to
today's (Sunday) setup, given the conditional nature of the
severe threat, expect updates over the coming days to the
forecast.
Uncertainty increases late week into the weekend when another
system is forecast to move across the broader region, though
differences in its placement remain. For now NBM rain chances
seem appropriate (highest south of I-80) with temperatures
generally in the 50s to lower 60s.
Petr
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 1238 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
Key Aviation Messages for the current TAF period:
- Scattered storms are expected through 21Z, some of which may
become severe
- Gusty southwest winds through the TAF period, before a lake
breeze arrives Monday afternoon for northeast winds
- MVFR cigs through Monday morning
- Brief showers that may have some snow mixed in around 06Z
close to the Wisconsin/Illinois stateline
Cloud cover has broken up for a brief VFR window through
18-1830Z. However, the clearer skies to the south which has
allowed for destabilization in southern Illinois with storms
starting to develop. TAFs were issued with prevailing -SHRA at
the start, but there may be a delay for when showers are
specifically at terminals. No changes were made to the TEMPO for
Chicago terminals with 19Z to 21Z being the main window for
stronger scattered storms to pass over terminals, some of which
may be severe. For RFD, however, is expected to have lower
instability dropping the probability for thunder below 30
percent. Therefore, with decreased confidence in having thunder,
it was kept out of the TAFs and will be handled tactically if it
does materialize. As storms pass over terminals, expected lower
cigs near IFR levels, lower vis from heavier rainfall, and
strong wind gusts.
As the front moves through, other than some lingering showers
trailing behind, drier conditions are expected after 21Z, but
the MVFR cigs are expected to remain through the evening. There
is a slim chance for some lowering to IFR overnight, but not
generally expected.
The surface low driving today's storms will continue to move
east-northeast through the night. Moisture will wrap around the
low and temperatures will drop. There is a brief window for
showers, but confidence was for terminals closer to the
Wisconsin stateline. As temperatures drop, there is a chance for
some snow to mix in for a brief window of -RASN.
Lastly, winds are expected to be out of the southwest through
most TAF periods. Gusts will slowly diminish through this
evening, but gusts around 20 knots are certainly possible
through Monday early afternoon. However, a lake breeze is
expected to develop in the mid afternoon. Later TAF packages
will likely fine tuned the timing for clearing to VFR as well as
the flip to northeast winds for Chicago terminals.
DK
&&
.LOT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...None.
IN...None.
LM...Small Craft Advisory until 4 AM CDT Tuesday for the IL and IN
nearshore waters.
&&
Visit us at weather.gov/chicagoHazardous weather outlook, Mar 30, 11:57 AM CDT, 2 hours 20 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
1157 AM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
ILZ003>006-008-010>013-019>021-023-032-033-039-103>108-INZ001-002-
010-011-019-311700-
Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Lake IL-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-Kane-DuPage-
La Salle-Kendall-Grundy-Kankakee-Livingston-Iroquois-Ford-
Northern Cook-Central Cook-Southern Cook-Northern Will-
Southern Will-Eastern Will-Lake IN-Porter-Newton-Jasper-Benton-
1157 AM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025 /1257 PM EDT Sun Mar 30 2025/
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Illinois...northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Significant Thunderstorm Risk this afternoon...with an associated:
Level 2 of 5 Tornado Risk.
Level 3 of 5 Damaging Wind Risk...up to 75 mph.
Level 3 of 5 Large Hail Risk...up to 2 inch diameter.
DISCUSSION...
Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon primarily around
and southeast of a line from La Salle County to the northern
Chicago suburbs. All modes of severe weather are possible,
including large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.
Tuesday Night...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 2 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Wednesday...
Limited Flooding Risk.
Elevated Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 3 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
DISCUSSION...
Periods of thunderstorms are possible late Tuesday night into
Wednesday across the entire area. Some of these thunderstorms
may become severe. Heavy rain and localized flooding will also
be possible.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotters will likely be needed through late this afternoon.
GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:
Moving toward the northeast at 50 to 60 mph.
LMZ740>745-311700-
Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL-
Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island IL-
Northerly Island to Calumet Harbor IL-
Calumet Harbor IL to Gary IN-Gary to Burns Harbor IN-
Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN-
1157 AM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Illinois
nearshore waters of Lake Michigan and the Indiana nearshore
waters of Lake Michigan.
.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Hazardous conditions for small craft.
Significant Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Thunderstorm Waterspout Risk
Level 3 of 5 Thunderstorm Wind Gust Risk...up to 60 kt.
Level 2 of 5 Hail Risk...up to 2 inch diameter.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.
Monday and Tuesday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.
Wednesday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.
Elevated Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 3 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Kluber
Visit us at www.weather.gov/chicagoIn the hours before
Special weather statement, Mar 30, 1:55 PM CDT, 22 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
155 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
ILZ023-033-INZ010-301930-
Kankakee IL-Iroquois IL-Newton IN-
155 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN KANKAKEE...
NORTHEASTERN IROQUOIS AND SOUTHWESTERN NEWTON COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM
CDT...
At 155 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles east of Onarga, or 7 miles southeast of Gilman, moving
northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Papineau, St. Anne, Chebanse, Martinton, Donovan, Milford, Crescent
City, Clifton, Watseka, Woodland, Aroma Park, Hopkins Park, Sammons
Point, Sheldon, Iroquois, Beaverville, Ashkum, Sun River Terrace,
Momence, and Kankakee.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northeastern
and east central Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
&&
LAT...LON 4060 8782 4097 8805 4122 8753 4074 8750
4074 8753 4065 8753
TIME...MOT...LOC 1855Z 238DEG 49KT 4071 8787
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
CarlawLocal storm report, Mar 30, 2:11 PM CDT, 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
211 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0148 PM Hail 1 SSE Algonquin 42.15N 88.28W
03/30/2025 M0.75 Inch Kane IL Public
Mostly pea size hail with a few stones to
penny size in southeastern Algonquin.
&&
WSLLocal storm report, Mar 30, 2:16 PM CDT, 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
216 PM CDT Sun Mar 30 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0158 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 3 SW Crescent City 40.74N 87.90W
03/30/2025 M66 MPH Iroquois IL Public
Private weather station KILGILMA8 reported
66 mph gust southwest of Crescent City.
&&
WSLThe office that day
Everything else NWS Chicago, IL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 30, 3:26 AM CDT | Small Craft Advisory | LOT | 49 hr | |
| Mar 30, 5:00 AM CDT | Marine Dense Fog Advisory | LOT | 5 hr | |
| Mar 30, 1:18 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Ford, Iroquois | 57 min |
| Mar 30, 1:47 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Cook, Lake, McHenry | 43 min |
| Mar 30, 1:55 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LOT | Iroquois | 35 min |
| Mar 30, 2:02 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Iroquois | 73 min |
| Mar 30, 2:03 PM CDT | Special Marine Warning | LOT | 100 min | |
| Mar 30, 2:15 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Iroquois, Kankakee, Will | 60 min |
| Mar 30, 2:28 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Iroquois | 56 min |
| Mar 30, 2:30 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | LOT | Lake, Newton | 30 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Illinois, 2025Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Indiana, 2025Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2025
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.