Chicago Braces for Destructive 80 MPH Winds and More Rain Tuesday. Here’s How to Prepare

Patty Wetli | August 11, 2026, 9:20 am

(Thomas Campone / iStock)

The Chicago region is under a severe thunderstorm watch Tuesday, with the potential for damaging 80 mile per hour winds, according to the National Weather Service.

Straight-line winds equivalent to an EF-0 tornado (minus the rotation) could uproot trees and cause structural damage, the weather service is warning.

The watch runs through 2 p.m., with storms expected to reach the Chicago area by late morning.

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In anticipation of the storms, ComEd officials said the utility had employees and contractors positioned across northern Illinois to respond to downed power lines and other equipment damage. Those same crews had been mobilized over the weekend in what has been one of the most challenging summers in decades in terms of severe weather, the utility said.

ComEd is urging people to report downed power lines by calling 800-334-7661 or 800-955-8237 for Spanish speakers. Never approach a downed line, the utility added.

Tree emergencies should be reported to 311, either via phone or online. Chicago’s forestry crews focus first on trees blocking streets.

During heavy rain events, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District urges people to hold off on use of dishwashers and washing machines in order to free up room in the region’s combined wastewater and stormwater pipes.

As of Tuesday morning, MWRD’s McCook reservoir and tunnel system — serving central Chicago and 36 municipalities — was at 95% capacity, holding nearly 5 billion gallons of water. The larger Thornton reservoir and tunnels was holding a similar amount of water but was at 57% capacity.