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NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 3, 2026Illinois

Severe Storms and Airport Ground Stops Affecting Chicago Area

Severe thunderstorms are moving through the Chicago area and parts of Wisconsin, causing airport ground stops, event cancellations, and weather warnings. Residents should prepare for potential wind, hail, and flooding throughout the weekend.

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Why It Matters

Travelers face flight delays at O'Hare and Midway airports, and residents may experience local event cancellations and hazardous weather conditions including high winds and flash flooding.

Key Facts

  • Ground stops were issued for O'Hare and Midway Airports through 1:30 p.m. Friday.
  • A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 7 p.m. CT for LaSalle, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, Will, Jasper (IN), Lake (IN), Newton (IN), and Porter (IN) counties.
  • The Storm Prediction Center categorized the Chicago area's severe weather risk as 'slight' (level two of five).
  • Storms are expected to produce wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail, and heavy rainfall.
  • A tornado warning was issued for parts of Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha Counties in Wisconsin.
  • A thunderstorm warning was in effect for southeastern Will County until 5:15 p.m. Friday.
  • Friday temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s with heat indices near 100 degrees.
  • Saturday temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 80s with heat indices around 94 degrees.
  • Drier and more seasonable conditions are expected to begin next week.

Who's Mentioned

organizationStorm Prediction Center“Categorized the Chicago area weather risk as level two of five.”personClaudia Olech“NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist providing weather analysis.”locationMidway Airport“Subject to ground stops due to weather.”organizationNational Weather Service“Issued weather warnings and forecasts.”locationO'Hare Airport“Subject to ground stops due to weather.”