Chicago Area Braces for Severe Storms with Tornado Watch and Warnings

Tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across the Chicago area Friday afternoon as a fierce storm system brought damaging hail to the region, with yet another round of dangerous storms expected in the hours ahead. A wind advisory with gusty winds up to 50 miles per hour took effect at 3 p.m. Friday for counties mainly near and to the south of I-80. Power outages are possible, and ComEd has stated that power will be restored to critical infrastructure first. Temperatures are expected to drop dramatically on Saturday, with some morning snow across northern Illinois and a rain/snow mix farther south.