Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 73, NWS Chicago, IL

August 11, 2026Cook County, Will County, Illinois

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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 11, 10:41 AM CDTTORNADO3 Se Homer Glen, ILNWS 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 CDTTORNADO3 Se Homer Glen, ILNWS 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 CDTTORNADO3 Se Homer Glen, ILNWS 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 CDTTSTM WND GST 75Frankfort, ILSustained winds estimated 55 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph.
Aug 11, 10:42 AM CDTTSTM WND GST 75Frankfort, ILSustained winds estimated 55 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph.
Aug 11, 10:42 AM CDTTSTM WND GST 75Frankfort, ILSustained winds estimated 55 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph.
Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nw Justice, ILMultiple trees downed in Justice.
Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGSw Orland Park, ILRoof off of a building near 183rd Place and Wolf Road - time estimated from radar.
Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGSw Orland Park, ILRoof off of a building near 183rd Place and Wolf Road - time estimated from radar.
Aug 11, 10:45 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGSw Orland Park, ILRoof off of a building near 183rd Place and Wolf Road - time estimated from radar.
Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nw Frankfort Square, ILpartial roof removed from residence.
Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nw Frankfort Square, ILpartial roof removed from residence.
Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nw Frankfort Square, ILpartial roof removed from residence.
Aug 11, 10:46 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Palos Park, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Palos Park, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Palos Park, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ne Frankfort Square, ILSemi blown over near Vollmer Road and Harlem Avenue. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ne Frankfort Square, ILSemi blown over near Vollmer Road and Harlem Avenue. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ne Frankfort Square, ILSemi blown over near Vollmer Road and Harlem Avenue. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGBridgeview, ILPhotos shared of large tree branches snapped. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGBridgeview, ILPhotos shared of large tree branches snapped. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:47 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGBridgeview, ILPhotos shared of large tree branches snapped. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:48 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Tinley Park, ILreport of significant roof damage and windows blown out of a shopping center and nearby residential building.
Aug 11, 10:48 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Tinley Park, ILreport of significant roof damage and windows blown out of a shopping center and nearby residential building.
Aug 11, 10:48 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Tinley Park, ILreport of significant roof damage and windows blown out of a shopping center and nearby residential building.
Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Richton Park, ILPhoto shared to social media shows damage to canopy over roadway at Richton Park Metra station. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Richton Park, ILPhoto shared to social media shows damage to canopy over roadway at Richton Park Metra station. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Richton Park, ILPhoto shared to social media shows damage to canopy over roadway at Richton Park Metra station. Time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Wsw Olympia Fields, ILMultiple public reports of trees downed in Matteson and Olympia Fields.
Aug 11, 10:50 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nnw Park Forest, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nnw Park Forest, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Nnw Park Forest, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Park Forest, ILPhotos 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Park Forest, ILPhotos 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Ene Park Forest, ILPhotos 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 CDTTSTM WND DMGMidlothian, ILPhotos shared via social media show multiple large branches broken in Midlothian. At least one evergreen uprooted.
Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGMidlothian, ILPhotos shared via social media show multiple large branches broken in Midlothian. At least one evergreen uprooted.
Aug 11, 10:51 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGMidlothian, ILPhotos shared via social media show multiple large branches broken in Midlothian. At least one evergreen uprooted.
Aug 11, 10:52 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Se Flossmoor, ILPhotos 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Se Flossmoor, ILPhotos 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Se Flossmoor, ILPhotos 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 E Chicago Heights, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 E Chicago Heights, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 E Chicago Heights, ILPhoto 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Posen, ILMultiple 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Posen, ILMultiple 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 CDTTSTM WND DMG1 Sse Posen, ILMultiple 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 CDTTSTM WND DMGHomewood, ILwidespread tree damage south side of town.
Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGHomewood, ILwidespread tree damage south side of town.
Aug 11, 10:53 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGHomewood, ILwidespread tree damage south side of town.
Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDTTSTM WND DMGBlue Island, ILMultiple 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 CDTTSTM WND DMGBlue Island, ILMultiple 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 CDTTSTM WND DMGBlue Island, ILMultiple 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 CDTTSTM WND GST 57Oak Forest, ILPrivate weather station: KILOAKFO13.
Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDTTSTM WND GST 57Oak Forest, ILPrivate weather station: KILOAKFO13.
Aug 11, 10:54 AM CDTTSTM WND GST 57Oak Forest, ILPrivate weather station: KILOAKFO13.
Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 W Sauk Village, IL7 trailers blown over in industrial area. time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 W Sauk Village, IL7 trailers blown over in industrial area. time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDTTSTM WND DMG1 W Sauk Village, IL7 trailers blown over in industrial area. time estimated by radar.
Aug 11, 10:55 AM CDTTORNADO1 Ese Homewood, ILAn 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.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Aug 11, 7:22 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC6 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2026-08-11Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2617 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2026-08-11The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 142 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
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

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

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

$$

Borchardt
3 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

$$

Borchardt
879 
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

$$

Borchardt
953 
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 

$$

Borchardt

What 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/chicago

In 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

&&

sb
Local 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.

&&

sb
Local 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.

&&

sb
Local 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.

&&

sb
Local 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

&&

sb
Local 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.

&&

sb

The office that day

Everything else NWS Chicago, IL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 11, 12:30 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningLOT67 min
Aug 11, 3:11 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLOTBoone, McHenry51 min
Aug 11, 3:34 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningLOT86 min
Aug 11, 3:49 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLOTLake, McHenry27 min
Aug 11, 8:45 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLOTLee, Ogle, Winnebago90 min
Aug 11, 9:22 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLOTBoone, DeKalb, LaSalle53 min
Aug 11, 9:32 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTBoone, DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, Winnebago4 hr
Aug 11, 9:38 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLOTKane, McHenry67 min
Aug 11, 9:48 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLOTGrundy, Kendall, LaSalle, Livingston72 min
Aug 11, 9:59 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTGrundy, Kane, Kendall4 hr
Aug 11, 10:09 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningLOT2 hr
Aug 11, 10:10 AM CDTTornado WarningLOTCook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will50 min
Aug 11, 10:17 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Destructive damage threatLOTCook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will58 min
Aug 11, 10:20 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLOTCook, DuPage, Kankakee, Will55 min
Aug 11, 10:27 AM CDTTornado WarningLOTGrundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Will37 min
Aug 11, 10:29 AM CDTTornado WarningLOTCook, DuPage46 min
Aug 11, 10:36 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTCook, DuPage, Kankakee, Will3 hr
Aug 11, 10:49 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Destructive damage threatLOTKankakee, Will56 min
Aug 11, 11:06 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTKankakee3 hr
Aug 11, 11:10 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatLOTIroquois65 min
Aug 11, 11:24 AM CDTLakeshore Flood WarningLOTCook6 hr
Aug 11, 11:39 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryLOTLake3 hr
Aug 11, 1:56 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningLOTFord, Iroquois34 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.