The Chicago area remains in the path of potential severe weather on Tuesday night, as the National Weather Service (NWS) issues warnings of damaging wind gusts and the possibility of tornado development. According to the hazardous weather outlook released on Tuesday afternoon, NWS officials emphasized an "elevated tornado risk" associated with these storms, which are expected to advance across Iowa and Missouri before crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois later today.

While the storms may outpace the front heading towards the region, limiting their fuel source, they are anticipated to maintain their organization, bringing various severe weather threats to the area. These threats include the potential formation of tornadoes and wind gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour in select locations, as outlined by officials.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) classifies all of northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana at an "enhanced" risk of severe weather, the third category out of five used to estimate the likelihood of severe storms. The SPC suggests a 10% chance of tornadoes forming within a 25-mile radius in Chicago's western suburbs, such as McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, LaSalle, Kendall, and Grundy counties. This chance decreases to 5% in Lake, Cook, DuPage, and Will counties, but there remains a possibility of tornadoes throughout the rest of the area. The highest risk of tornadic activity lies along and west of Interstate 39, though tornadoes could potentially develop anywhere in the vicinity.

One of the most significant concerns is the presence of gusty winds, which could reach speeds exceeding 75 miles per hour. The SPC estimates a 30% chance of residents experiencing wind gusts surpassing 50 miles per hour within a 25-mile radius. Officials have provided a timeline for the storm activity, indicating that it could occur between 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. As the front moves through, cooler temperatures are expected to follow in its wake. Even if severe storms do not directly impact specific areas, officials warn that winds could still gust between 40 to 50 miles per hour.

Residents are urged to download the NBC Chicago app for the latest forecast news and receive push alerts for watches and warnings specific to their area. NBC Chicago will interrupt regular programming with the latest information in the event of a tornado warning. The newscast will also be accessible on the NBC Chicago app and various streaming platforms, including Roku and Xumo.

Stay updated on the changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of potentially severe weather.