Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Cook County

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Sunday and includes the entire Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service.

Turbulent winds, heavy rain and dangerous lightning may be on the way. Des Plaines' storms could occur between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. 

A line of storms developing across eastern Iowa is intensifying and will be moving toward northeast Illinois near 12 p.m. and into the afternoon hours. Additional storms developing ahead of the main line is developing over northwest Illinois. 

The greatest risk with these storms will be straight-line winds, hail, dangerous lightning and heavy downpours.

Ryan’s Advice: Have those weather radios handy! This is a developing weather situation. If anyone is outdoors this afternoon, please keep an eye to the west and southwest. Storms could very well become widespread this afternoon and these storms may easily become severe in a hurry. It may be a good idea to move any  and picnics indoors today.

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Severe Weather Index : (3) High Risk for the Des Plaines area.

This is a potentially dangerous weather situation with a risk of some wind damage.

Ryan’s Severe Weather Index Scale (Within 30 miles of Des Plaines)

1. Slight Risk (30 percent probability)
2. Moderate Risk (50 to 60 percent probability)
3. High Risk (70 percent probability)
4. Significant Event (80 to 90 percent probability)
5. Critical weather situation (95 to 100 percent probability)