Storm Prediction Center: Severe weather outbreak likely late this afternoon & evening

Much of Illinois including Chicago has been put in a "moderate risk" category for severe thunderstorms later today.  The storms should not affect the immediate Chicago area until after 3PM.  

The thunderstorms that move into Chicago this later today have the potential to produce:

Damaging winds in excess of 65mph

Large hail

Nearly continuous lightning

Torrential downpours

After a beautiful morning, it's hard to believe that the weather would turn so quickly, but this is the most potent severe weather setup for northern Illinois to date in 2011.