The Chicago area is under threat from tornadoes, hail and high winds as the National Weather Service identifies a severe weather system moving into the area.
The agency warned of tornadoes, hail and winds that could damage buildings and harm people as the city was battered by rain into Wednesday afternoon.
Tornado watches are available for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, La Salle, McHenry, and Will counties until 10 p.m. it's not as severe as a tornado warning, which indicates that a tornado is expected by weather services.
The main area at risk for tornadoes is between I-80 north towards the Wisconsin/Illinois state line, according to the weather service.
The expected hail and winds in the area could be severe enough to damage cars and buildings and topple fences and trees.
On a scale of 0-5, the threat of severe weather is rated as a 3 by the weather service, with the main threat lasting until 7 p.m.
The city's Department of Emergency Management will be prepared with flood mitigation equipment and in coordination with the Roads and Sanitation, Transport and Water Management departments, according to a release from Mayor Brandon Johnson's office.
City officials asked residents to refrain from using extra water for bathing, washing clothes or household chores to reduce stress on the city's wastewater system. Residents can report water reserves in their homes or businesses by calling 311 or going to 311.chicago.gov to report water in basements, puddles in streets and flooding of bridges.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation after record-breaking rainfall and tornadoes in the lower state, providing resources to hurricane-hit areas.
Jake Petr, a meteorologist with the weather service, said rainfall at O'Hare Airport totaled 0.7 inches by 4:30 p.m. At Midway Airport, it recorded 1.1.7 inches.
One of the highest totals for the day in the area was in Romeoville, at 2.63 inches, said Petr.