Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 73, NWS Chicago, IL
NWS Chicago, IL issued this tornado warning at Aug 11, 2026, 10:36 AM CDT for Cook County, Will County, Illinois. It was in force for 28 min. 60 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
- Aug 11, 2026, 10:36 AM CDT (15:36 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 11, 2026, 11:04 AM CDT
- In force
- 28 min
- Issued by
- NWS Chicago, IL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.0 in
Counties Cook County, IL, Will County, IL
The radar
The Chicago radar (KLOT), 35 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 15:34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 10:41 AM CDT | TORNADO | 3 Se Homer Glen, IL | NWS survey confirms an EF-1 tornado with peak winds near 105 mph, peak width of 300 yards, and path length of 22.4 miles. |
| Aug 11, 10:41 AM CDT | TORNADO | 3 Se Homer Glen, IL | NWS survey confirms an EF-1 tornado with peak winds near 105 mph, peak width of 300 yards, and path length of 22.4 miles. |
| Aug 11, 10:41 AM CDT | TORNADO | 3 Se Homer Glen, IL | NWS survey confirms an EF-1 tornado with peak winds near 105 mph, peak width of 300 yards, and path length of 22.4 miles. |
| Aug 11, 10:42 AM CDT | TSTM WND GST 75 | Frankfort, IL | Sustained winds estimated 55 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph. |
| Aug 11, 10:42 AM CDT | TSTM WND GST 75 | Frankfort, IL | Sustained winds estimated 55 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph. |
| Aug 11, 10:42 AM CDT | TSTM WND GST 75 | Frankfort, IL | Sustained winds estimated 55 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph. |
| Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nw Justice, IL | Multiple trees downed in Justice. |
| Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Sw Orland Park, IL | Roof off of a building near 183rd Place and Wolf Road - time estimated from radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Sw Orland Park, IL | Roof off of a building near 183rd Place and Wolf Road - time estimated from radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Sw Orland Park, IL | Roof off of a building near 183rd Place and Wolf Road - time estimated from radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nw Frankfort Square, IL | partial roof removed from residence. |
| Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nw Frankfort Square, IL | partial roof removed from residence. |
| Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nw Frankfort Square, IL | partial roof removed from residence. |
| Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Palos Park, IL | Photo on social media showed a large pine tree on a house on 83rd Avenue between 131st Street and 135th Street. |
| Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Palos Park, IL | Photo on social media showed a large pine tree on a house on 83rd Avenue between 131st Street and 135th Street. |
| Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Palos Park, IL | Photo on social media showed a large pine tree on a house on 83rd Avenue between 131st Street and 135th Street. |
| Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ne Frankfort Square, IL | Semi blown over near Vollmer Road and Harlem Avenue. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ne Frankfort Square, IL | Semi blown over near Vollmer Road and Harlem Avenue. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ne Frankfort Square, IL | Semi blown over near Vollmer Road and Harlem Avenue. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Bridgeview, IL | Photos shared of large tree branches snapped. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Bridgeview, IL | Photos shared of large tree branches snapped. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Bridgeview, IL | Photos shared of large tree branches snapped. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:48 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Tinley Park, IL | report of significant roof damage and windows blown out of a shopping center and nearby residential building. |
| Aug 11, 10:48 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Tinley Park, IL | report of significant roof damage and windows blown out of a shopping center and nearby residential building. |
| Aug 11, 10:48 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Tinley Park, IL | report of significant roof damage and windows blown out of a shopping center and nearby residential building. |
| Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ene Richton Park, IL | Photo shared to social media shows damage to canopy over roadway at Richton Park Metra station. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ene Richton Park, IL | Photo shared to social media shows damage to canopy over roadway at Richton Park Metra station. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ene Richton Park, IL | Photo shared to social media shows damage to canopy over roadway at Richton Park Metra station. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Wsw Olympia Fields, IL | Multiple public reports of trees downed in Matteson and Olympia Fields. |
| Aug 11, 10:50 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nnw Park Forest, IL | Photo shared via social media shows a few large branches broken at Central Park in Park Forest. Also several inches of standing water in parking lots. |
| Aug 11, 10:50 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nnw Park Forest, IL | Photo shared via social media shows a few large branches broken at Central Park in Park Forest. Also several inches of standing water in parking lots. |
| Aug 11, 10:50 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Nnw Park Forest, IL | Photo shared via social media shows a few large branches broken at Central Park in Park Forest. Also several inches of standing water in parking lots. |
| Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ene Park Forest, IL | Photos shared to social media show multiple large branches broken and at least 2 trees uprooted just northeast of Park Forest Business District. |
| Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ene Park Forest, IL | Photos shared to social media show multiple large branches broken and at least 2 trees uprooted just northeast of Park Forest Business District. |
| Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Ene Park Forest, IL | Photos shared to social media show multiple large branches broken and at least 2 trees uprooted just northeast of Park Forest Business District. |
| Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Midlothian, IL | Photos shared via social media show multiple large branches broken in Midlothian. At least one evergreen uprooted. |
| Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Midlothian, IL | Photos shared via social media show multiple large branches broken in Midlothian. At least one evergreen uprooted. |
| Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Midlothian, IL | Photos shared via social media show multiple large branches broken in Midlothian. At least one evergreen uprooted. |
| Aug 11, 10:52 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Flossmoor, IL | Photos shared of numerous large tree branches down damage to the roof of the house and garage. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:52 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Flossmoor, IL | Photos shared of numerous large tree branches down damage to the roof of the house and garage. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:52 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Se Flossmoor, IL | Photos shared of numerous large tree branches down damage to the roof of the house and garage. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Chicago Heights, IL | Photo shared via social media shows sections of north facing wall blown out or collapsed from second floor room of building at Green Street and US-30. Large sections of siding removed from remainder of building. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Chicago Heights, IL | Photo shared via social media shows sections of north facing wall blown out or collapsed from second floor room of building at Green Street and US-30. Large sections of siding removed from remainder of building. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 E Chicago Heights, IL | Photo shared via social media shows sections of north facing wall blown out or collapsed from second floor room of building at Green Street and US-30. Large sections of siding removed from remainder of building. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Posen, IL | Multiple photos shared to social media show large branches broken in neighborhoods near Dixie Highway and 150th Street. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Posen, IL | Multiple photos shared to social media show large branches broken in neighborhoods near Dixie Highway and 150th Street. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 Sse Posen, IL | Multiple photos shared to social media show large branches broken in neighborhoods near Dixie Highway and 150th Street. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Homewood, IL | widespread tree damage south side of town. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Homewood, IL | widespread tree damage south side of town. |
| Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Homewood, IL | widespread tree damage south side of town. |
| Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Blue Island, IL | Multiple photos shared to social media show small branches downed in Blue Island. A few larger branches broken. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Blue Island, IL | Multiple photos shared to social media show small branches downed in Blue Island. A few larger branches broken. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Blue Island, IL | Multiple photos shared to social media show small branches downed in Blue Island. A few larger branches broken. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDT | TSTM WND GST 57 | Oak Forest, IL | Private weather station: KILOAKFO13. |
| Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDT | TSTM WND GST 57 | Oak Forest, IL | Private weather station: KILOAKFO13. |
| Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDT | TSTM WND GST 57 | Oak Forest, IL | Private weather station: KILOAKFO13. |
| Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 W Sauk Village, IL | 7 trailers blown over in industrial area. time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 W Sauk Village, IL | 7 trailers blown over in industrial area. time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 1 W Sauk Village, IL | 7 trailers blown over in industrial area. time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDT | TORNADO | 1 Ese Homewood, IL | An EF-1 tornado began west of Halsted between 183rd and 187th, crossing Halsted and causing structural damage to a strip mall and several buildings in an apartment complex. The tornado then affected a neighborhood east of the strip mall, causing substantial tr |
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 2 storm reports to this tornado warning; the first came 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 7:22 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 6 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 3.6 hours before the alert went out and 185 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
- 2617 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -144 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1547 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 20 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 142 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 140 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.2
- Supercell composite
- 4.5
The text
As transmitted.
096
WFUS53 KLOT 111536
TORLOT
ILC031-197-111615-
/O.NEW.KLOT.TO.W.0073.260811T1536Z-260811T1615Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
1036 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Central Will County in northeastern Illinois...
Southeastern Cook County in northeastern Illinois...
* Until 1115 AM CDT.
* At 1036 AM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located over
Lockport, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* These dangerous storms will be near...
Orland Park and Homer Glen around 1040 AM CDT.
Tinley Park, Mokena, and Frankfort around 1045 AM CDT.
Oak Forest, Matteson, Country Club Hills, and Frankfort Square
around 1050 AM CDT.
Chicago Heights, Park Forest, Homewood, Hazel Crest, Richton Park,
Markham, Flossmoor, Glenwood, and Olympia Fields around 1055 AM
CDT.
Other locations in the path of this tornadic thunderstorm include
Lansing, Harvey, Steger, Sauk Village, Lynwood, Ford Heights and
Thornton.
OEMC zones...TORNADO WARNING.
8...9...10...11...and 12.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4147 8753 4147 8778 4149 8791 4172 8792
4172 8791 4178 8791 4176 8754 4175 8754
4175 8753 4174 8754 4174 8752 4173 8752
TIME...MOT...LOC 1536Z 283DEG 48KT 4160 8808
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Borchardt3 follow-up statements
348
WWUS53 KLOT 111547 RRA
SVSLOT
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
1047 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
ILC031-197-111615-
/O.CON.KLOT.TO.W.0073.000000T0000Z-260811T1615Z/
Will IL-Cook IL-
1047 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 AM CDT FOR CENTRAL
WILL AND SOUTHEASTERN COOK COUNTIES...
At 1047 AM CDT, a severe squall line capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage was located over
Frankfort Square, or over Matteson, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
These dangerous storms will be near...
Chicago Heights, Lansing, Park Forest, Homewood, Steger, Sauk
Village, Flossmoor, Lynwood, Glenwood, and Olympia Fields around
1055 AM CDT.
OEMC zones...TORNADO WARNING.
8...9...10...11...and 12.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4147 8753 4147 8778 4149 8791 4172 8792
4172 8791 4178 8791 4176 8754 4175 8754
4175 8753 4174 8754 4174 8752 4173 8752
TIME...MOT...LOC 1547Z 283DEG 59KT 4153 8779
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Borchardt879
WWUS53 KLOT 111553
SVSLOT
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
1053 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
ILC197-111603-
/O.CAN.KLOT.TO.W.0073.000000T0000Z-260811T1615Z/
Will IL-
1053 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR CENTRAL WILL COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 200 PM CDT for
northeastern Illinois...and northwestern Indiana.
&&
LAT...LON 4147 8753 4147 8778 4149 8779 4177 8776
4176 8754 4175 8754 4175 8753 4174 8754
4174 8752 4173 8752
TIME...MOT...LOC 1553Z 276DEG 61KT 4154 8766
$$
ILC031-111615-
/O.CON.KLOT.TO.W.0073.000000T0000Z-260811T1615Z/
Cook IL-
1053 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 AM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN COOK COUNTY...
At 1053 AM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Flossmoor, or
over Homewood, moving east at 70 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornado will be near...
Calumet City, Lansing, Steger, South Holland, Sauk Village,
Lynwood, and Ford Heights around 1100 AM CDT.
OEMC zones...TORNADO WARNING.
8...9...10...11...and 12.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4147 8753 4147 8778 4149 8779 4177 8776
4176 8754 4175 8754 4175 8753 4174 8754
4174 8752 4173 8752
TIME...MOT...LOC 1553Z 276DEG 61KT 4154 8766
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
Borchardt953
WWUS53 KLOT 111604 RRA
SVSLOT
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
1104 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
ILC031-111614-
/O.CAN.KLOT.TO.W.0073.000000T0000Z-260811T1615Z/
Cook IL-
1104 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN COOK COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The portion of the storm which prompted the Tornado Warning has
moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
However, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 1115
AM.
&&
LAT...LON 4147 8753 4147 8778 4149 8779 4177 8776
4176 8754 4175 8754 4175 8753 4174 8754
4174 8752 4173 8752
TIME...MOT...LOC 1602Z 283DEG 48KT 4150 8746
$$
BorchardtWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado 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 tornado warning went out at Aug 11, 8:19 AM CDT, 2 hours 17 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Scattered thunderstorms will affect far northern IL/northwest IN early this morning, with isolated instances of large hail and damaging wind as well as localized flooding are possible.
- Possible line/complex of severe thunderstorms to affect the area by mid/late morning into early this afternoon. Severe wind gusts to 80 mph possible, along with heavy rain and localized flooding.
- Pattern remains active with additional thunderstorm chances through the end of the week/weekend.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 11, 8:19 AM CDT, 2 hours 17 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, IL 819 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Scattered thunderstorms will affect far northern IL/northwest IN early this morning, with isolated instances of large hail and damaging wind as well as localized flooding are possible. - Possible line/complex of severe thunderstorms to affect the area by mid/late morning into early this afternoon. Severe wind gusts to 80 mph possible, along with heavy rain and localized flooding. - Pattern remains active with additional thunderstorm chances through the end of the week/weekend. && .MESOSCALE... Issued at 819 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026 While it took quite some time overnight, the convection over IA has evolved into a more well organized MCS since 11z. DVN WSR-88D imagery shows an impressive rear inflow jet has developed with strengthening cold already resulting in an acceleration of in forward speed, now moving at around 55 kt. Morning soundings from ILX and DVN depict a very unstable air mass in advance of this MCS with steep lapse rates and very moist boundary layer. While there is still CINH with surface based parcels, some weakening of this CINH will take place this morning as sfc warms and dewpoints creep up this morning. Even with some sfc based CINH, strongly forced ascent on leading edge of this MCS should have no problem forcing parcels up to the LFC. KDMX 88D VWP shows a nice 50kt mid level speed max feeding into the backside of this MCS, providing ample deep layer shear for continued mesoscale organization. SPC mesoanalysis depicts an axis of >3000 J/kg of MLCAPE from northwest IL east-southeast to west central Indiana. This is in close proximity to a diffuse surface boundary that remains draped across a very similar area. Expectation this morning is MCS should continue maintain its intensity and probably begin to intensify by mid-late morning as it encounters weaker CINH and diurnally destabilizing boundary layer. Environment appears primed for a higher-end bow echo and possible derecho to evolve from this MCS as it rips across our CWA this morning. Given the orientation of the diffuse sfc boundary and instability axis, some southward propagation to this line is likely. Primary hazard will obviously be damaging winds, potentially swaths in excess of 80 mph as this complex races across our CWA. Presence of the weak surface boundary running perpendicular this QLCS could provide a source of low level vorticity for mesovortices and potential QLCS tornadoes as well. This threat is likely to increase as the activity gets into our eastern CWA as boundary layer destabilizes further. - Izzi && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 253 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026 Forecast remains complex today, with ongoing storms early this morning and the potential evolution of a more significant widespread severe weather/damaging wind threat later this morning and early afternoon. Early morning surface analysis depicts a rather diffuse warm frontal zone stretching from north-central IA east-southeast across northern IL and northwest IN, roughly from north of the Quad Cities to LOT and VPZ. KLOT VAD wind profile and SPC/RAP mesoanalysis indicates a ~25 kt west-southwesterly low level jet impinging on the frontal zone, with associated isentropic ascent atop the shallow frontal slope resulting in isolated thunderstorms from near ARX over to the Lake Michigan shore near Michigan City IN at this hour. Low-level jet forcing may increase a bit during the predawn hours as a subtle mid-level short wave tracks across the area. There has been a signal in CAM guidance for potential additional development along the front prior to sunrise, and we continue to monitor for that. MUCAPE near 3000 J/kg and ~40 kts of effective shear per SPC mesoanalysis would support storm organization and an associated severe (primarily wind/hail) threat as evidenced by the scattered supercell storms currently over LM/IWX's cwa. Attention then turns to a developing area of thunderstorms over far southeast South Dakota, which may evolve into a more widespread and potentially significant severe weather threat across our forecast area later this morning and early afternoon. CAM guidance has been consistent in this cluster of storms eventually growing upscale into a forward-propagating MCS across northwest IA/southwest MN over the next few hours and eventually tracking east-southeast along the corridor strong instability along the aforementioned frontal zone into northern IL toward mid-late morning. The combination of unseasonably strong westerly mid-level flow and resulting deep shear(50+ kts at 700 mb), steep mid-level lapse rates (near 8 C/km) MUCAPE values in excess of 3500 J/kg, the potential for significant severe weather appears rather high. Several CAMs are depicting pockets surface wind gusts of 80+ mph with this MCS across portions of the forecast area. A tornado threat would also likely exist given sufficient low-level shear and the proximity of the previously mentioned surface frontal boundary. While the exact evolution of this MCS remains uncertain, SPC's Day 1 enhanced (level 3 of 5) for out forecast area appears warranted. Currently timing of this threat looks to be from perhaps 9 AM in our northwest cwa through around 3 PM in the far east. There may also be some convective development along the front ahead of the MCS, if a strong MCV develops prior to reaching the cwa increases warm-advection ascent ahead of the main cluster as indicated by some of the CAMs. As if the significant severe/widespread damaging wind threat wasn't enough, we'll also need to monitor the location of heavy rainfall and flooding potential - particularly for the urbanized Chicago metro area as well as locations which saw 3-5"+ of rainfall Sunday and evening. Had contemplated issuing a flood watch, though with current predawn convection slow to fill-in (so far) and some uncertainty remaining with the evolution of the MCS later this morning, elected to hold off at this time pending some further clarity on location of higher rainfall impacts. In the wake of today's expected MCS, a lull in convective activity is expected from later this afternoon into tonight, though this will likely depend on the size and magnitude of the remnant cold pool and how far south the effective frontal zone ends up along it's southern periphery. The overall pattern some uncertainty is how far south an area of surface high pressure builds across the western Lakes in the Friday/Saturday period. This will have significant impacts on thunderstorm trends/timing for the local area. Ratzer && .AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/... Issued at 706 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026 Key Messages: - An organized complex of thunderstorms is likely to impact the terminals between mid-morning and mid-afternoon today. Severe wind gusts in excess of 50 kts may occur with these storms. - Sub-VFR ceilings and visibilities are likely to be observed again late tonight into Wednesday morning. A thunderstorm complex in eastern Iowa at press time is attempting to get organized into a solid line or bow. These storms will impact the terminals between mid-morning and mid- afternoon, and if it manages to become well-organized by the time it reaches the terminals (observational trends seem to support that occurring), then severe wind gusts in excess (and potentially well in excess) of 50 kts may be observed as these storms roll through. Also could see a few storms develop out ahead of this main thunderstorm line/bow, so have PROB30 groups for TSRA preceding the main TEMPO TSRA groups in the Chicago metro TAFs to account for this possibility. The persisting abundance of low-level moisture allowed for MVFR stratus and fog/mist to develop once again last tonight, and sub-VFR conditions are still being observed at some TAF sites as of 1200Z. These conditions should improve by mid-morning, but the persisting low-level moisture and light winds tonight will likely allow for low stratus and fog to develop once again. Lastly, there is another chance for thunderstorms to affect the terminals tomorrow. Current thinking is that the main surface boundary that storms will focus along tomorrow may remain south of the terminals, but if this boundary ends up a little farther north than presently expected, then there will likely be a need for some sort of TSRA mention to be introduced into the TAFs. Ogorek && .MARINE... Issued at 253 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026 A potential exists for a severe thunderstorm complex to produce widespread damaging winds (in excess of 65 knots) across far southern Lake Michigan later this morning/midday. In addition to the wind threat itself, the line of storms are expected to propagate in an east-southeast direction, which could potentially lead to a seiche (water is pushed ahead of the storms, then sloshes back and forth for several hours after the storms pass) on the southern portion of the Lake. If this were to occur, it could result in fluctuating lake levels along the Illinois and Indiana shores for a time from later morning into this afternoon. Ratzer && .LOT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... IL...None. IN...None. LM...None. && Visit us at weather.gov/chicago
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 11, 3:44 AM CDT, 6 hours 52 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
344 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
ILZ003>006-008-010>013-019>021-023-032-033-039-103>108-INZ001-002-
010-011-019-120845-
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-
344 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026 /444 AM EDT Tue Aug 11 2026/
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...with an associated:
Level 1 of 5 Tornado Risk.
Level 3 of 5 Damaging Wind Risk...up to 80 mph.
Elevated Flooding Risk.
DISCUSSION...
Scattered thunderstorms early this morning will present a
localized risk of severe weather, primarily damaging winds. A
complex of thunderstorms may then move across the area from mid-
morning into early this afternoon. If this complex materializes,
it will likely be severe with damaging wind gusts as high as 80
mph. In addition, any of these thunderstorms will be capable of
producing torrential downpours which may lead to localized
flooding.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.
Wednesday and Thursday...
Elevated Flooding Risk.
Elevated Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 1 of 5 Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Friday...
Elevated Flooding Risk.
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Saturday...
Limited Flooding Risk.
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Sunday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
DISCUSSION...
An active and potentially stormy weather pattern will persist
through the end of the week, with additional rounds of
thunderstorms possible and an attendant risk of severe weather
and flash flooding.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotters will likely be needed this morning through mid-
afternoon.
GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:
Moving toward the east-southeast at 30 to 40 mph. If a bowing
complex develops, it could move east at 50 to 65 mph.
LMZ740>745-120845-
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-
344 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
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...Today and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Significant Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Level 3 of 5 Thunderstorm Wind Gust Risk...up to 70 knots.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.
Wednesday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Thursday and Friday...
Hazardous conditions for small craft are likely.
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Saturday and Sunday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Ratzer
Visit us at www.weather.gov/chicagoIn the hours before
Local storm report, Aug 11, 9:41 AM CDT, 55 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
941 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0932 AM Hail Cedar Lake 41.37N 87.44W
08/11/2026 M0.88 Inch Lake IN Trained Spotter
&&
sbLocal storm report, Aug 11, 10:05 AM CDT, 31 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1005 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0954 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 3 WNW Troy Grove 41.49N 89.13W
08/11/2026 M55 MPH La Salle IL Public
Private weather station: 3.7 WNW Troy Grove.
&&
sbLocal storm report, Aug 11, 10:07 AM CDT, 29 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1007 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1000 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 3 ENE Triumph 41.51N 88.97W
08/11/2026 M53 MPH La Salle IL Public
Private weather station: 6.1 SSW Earlville.
&&
sbLocal storm report, Aug 11, 10:22 AM CDT, 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1022 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1011 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 WNW Sugar Grove 41.77N 88.48W
08/11/2026 M85 MPH Kane IL ASOS
KARR - Aurora / Sugar Grove Airport.
&&
sbLocal storm report, Aug 11, 10:24 AM CDT, 12 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1024 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1018 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 SE Yorkville 41.62N 88.43W
08/11/2026 M64 MPH Kendall IL Public
&&
sbLocal storm report, Aug 11, 10:25 AM CDT, 11 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Chicago IL
1025 AM CDT Tue Aug 11 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1015 AM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 ENE Marseilles 41.34N 88.66W
08/11/2026 M53 MPH La Salle IL Public
Private weather station: 1.8 ENE Marseilles.
&&
sbThe office that day
Everything else NWS Chicago, IL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 12:30 AM CDT | Special Marine Warning | LOT | 67 min | |
| Aug 11, 3:11 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Boone, McHenry | 51 min |
| Aug 11, 3:34 AM CDT | Special Marine Warning | LOT | 86 min | |
| Aug 11, 3:49 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Lake, McHenry | 27 min |
| Aug 11, 8:45 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Lee, Ogle, Winnebago | 90 min |
| Aug 11, 9:22 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Boone, DeKalb, LaSalle | 53 min |
| Aug 11, 9:32 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | LOT | Boone, DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Winnebago | 4 hr |
| Aug 11, 9:38 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Kane, McHenry | 67 min |
| Aug 11, 9:48 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Grundy, Kendall, LaSalle, Livingston | 72 min |
| Aug 11, 9:59 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | LOT | Grundy, Kane, Kendall | 4 hr |
| Aug 11, 10:09 AM CDT | Special Marine Warning | LOT | 2 hr | |
| Aug 11, 10:10 AM CDT | Tornado Warning | LOT | Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will | 50 min |
| Aug 11, 10:17 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will | 58 min |
| Aug 11, 10:20 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Cook, DuPage, Kankakee, Will | 55 min |
| Aug 11, 10:27 AM CDT | Tornado Warning | LOT | Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Will | 37 min |
| Aug 11, 10:29 AM CDT | Tornado Warning | LOT | Cook, DuPage | 46 min |
| Aug 11, 10:36 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | LOT | Cook, DuPage, Kankakee, Will | 3 hr |
| Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Kankakee, Will | 56 min |
| Aug 11, 11:06 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | LOT | Kankakee | 3 hr |
| Aug 11, 11:10 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Iroquois | 65 min |
| Aug 11, 11:24 AM CDT | Lakeshore Flood Warning | LOT | Cook | 6 hr |
| Aug 11, 11:39 AM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | LOT | Lake | 3 hr |
| Aug 11, 1:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LOT | Ford, Iroquois | 34 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Illinois, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026
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.