Severe storms threaten multiple states with tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds.

The Chicago area is under an "enhanced" risk of severe weather, including potentially severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail, and rain-wrapped tornadoes. The first round of storms will continue through Friday morning, with a lull in activity until a second wave arrives in the afternoon. The storms are expected to bring frequent lightning, torrential downpours, and gusty winds, with wind gusts during a thunderstorm potentially exceeding 70 miles per hour. Power outages are possible, and ComEd will prioritize restoring power to critical infrastructure first. Temperatures will drop on Saturday before rising again on Sunday.