Heavy rain and storms were likely to pass through northeastern Illinois Monday, with possible flash flooding, especially if heavy rain falls over the Chicago metro area, National Weather Service officials said.
Officials said they expect periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms Monday from midmorning into the evening. Torrential rainfall can flood roads, fields and basements and cause rapid stream rises, the weather service said.
They warned that locally heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding, particularly across northeastern Illinois north of I-80. A flash flood watch will go into effect at 10 a.m. and last through midnight for McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage and some parts of Cook County.
They said there is a small threat of severe thunderstorms, which are capable of producing isolated tornadoes, lightning and damaging winds that can down tree limbs and fences. Severe weather is possible from noon until 6 p.m., the weather service said.
The weather service also reported dangerous swimming conditions at Lake Michigan in Illinois and Indiana starting this afternoon through Tuesday. They expect breezy onshore winds to cause high waves of five to nine feet, life-threatening currents and hazardous boating conditions.
Weather service officials recommend staying out of the water and avoiding piers and lakeshore trails in affected areas.
The Bears canceled fan access Monday due to inclement weather. The team will still practice indoors, but fans won’t be allowed to watch.
“The health and safety of our fans, players, coaches, and all staff is our utmost priority,” the team said in a statement.
Early-morning conditions at Chicago Midway Airport were mostly cloudy at 73 degrees.
