A strong thunderstorm is expected to hit Chicago later today with winds up to 100 mph.
Earlier on Monday, August 10, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced a severe thunderstorm was set to hit the Chicago area later this afternoon between 2 pm and 5 pm. The storm is expected to cause significant damage with winds up to 100 mph, hail the size of ping pong balls and potential flooding. The NWS also warned there could be power outages and that the strong winds could cause trees to fall down.
A particularly dangerous situation has developed with severe storms moving in to northern IL / IN between 1 & 7 PM CDT; strong wind gusts up to 100 MPH are possible. Please prepare accordingly by securing outside items like lawn furniture or trashcans! #ilwx #inwx https://t.co/VWDn5KhqrL
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) August 10, 2020
In a later tweet, the NWS said to take the news of the incoming storm as a tornado warning and “head for safe shelter indoors, well away from windows” and head into a windowless room or basement if possible. Outdoor dining facilities and any other outdoor facilities with umbrellas & tents, such as pools, & including backyards are being encouraged to make preparations right away before the storm arrives.
Here are some other measures you can take to stay safe:
- Unplug electronic equipment.
- If it’s safe, bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.
- Stay inside a building or car that’s not a convertible.
- Close windows, shutters, blinds, shades, and curtains.
- Make sure outside doors are securely closed.
The storm is expected to pick up after 5 pm and could last well into the night and Tuesday morning while winds in the Chicago area are expected to rise up to 80 mph.
see also:Downtown Chicago To Be Closed Down For The Forseeable Future, City Officials Say
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