RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Chicago area was placed under tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings on Monday as storms moved across northern Illinois capable of producing 70 mph wind gusts and two-inch hail.
The National Weather Service issued the tornado warning at 12:10 p.m. after radar showed tornado-capable storms and a "rotation" in west suburban Downers Grove. Storms were moving southeast at 30 mph, according to an agency alert.
The warning was in effect until 1:15 p.m. in parts of Cook, Will and DuPage counties.
The Weather Service also issued the severe storm warning shortly before 11 a.m. for northern Cook County, Lake County, northeastern Kane County and southeastern McHenry County. That warning was set to expire at 1 p.m.
A second round of storms with an even higher chance of damaging wind is possible later Monday afternoon and evening, National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Baker said. Lightning is the primary hazard with storms moving through earlier Monday, he said.
“Being outside would be hazardous as these storms move through,” Baker said. "When thunder roars, go indoors."
Forecast models have struggled to pinpoint rainfall totals because of the hot and humid conditions, Baker said. Rainfall amounts will likely vary significantly depending on where storms develop.
Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding later Monday afternoon and evening, Baker said. A flash flood warning was issued until 4 p.m. Monday.
The Chicago area remained under a heat advisory on Monday, with heat index values expected to range from 100 to 110.
A cold front is expected to move through overnight, bringing cooler temperatures in the low 80s on Tuesday, Baker said.
Chicago's cooling centers will be open Monday during standard operating hours, according to the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.
Chicagoans can also visit Chicago Public Library locations, City Colleges of Chicago campus locations and Chicago Park District fieldhouses for relief from the heat, the department said. Chicago Police Department's 22 district stations are available 24 hours a day for residents to avoid the heat.
Residents can call 3-1-1 to request well-being checks for neighbors and loved ones, according to the department.
The City of Evanston says its own cooling centers were open and urged people to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity and check on vulnerable neighbors.
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