Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service

A Wind Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for north central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, effective until 10 p. m. tonight and extending until 7 a. m. on Thursday, March 20.

Wind speeds are forecasted to be between 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, posing risks of blowing unsecured objects and downed tree limbs, which may lead to power outages. Additionally, residents should prepare for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon, which could escalate to severe conditions, including damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes, particularly in areas south of I-88. Late tonight, accumulating wet snow is expected, especially near and north of I-80, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions for the early Thursday commute. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) recommends that residents stay informed through local media or by downloading the Chicago OEMC App for real-time safety information and alerts. This public safety tool provides vital updates, emergency alerts, and weather information directly to users' devices.

Residents can also sign up for NotifyChicago alerts and receive specific notifications related to lakefront conditions and business impacts. Follow the OEMC on social media platforms for ongoing updates and preparedness tips.