Tornado Watch; Severe Weather in Chicago Area

A tornado watch is in effect for much of the Chicago area until 4 p.m., the National Weather Service stated.

There were reports of tornadoes on the ground near Pontiac, Streator, and Bloomington. A warning was issued for those areas and has since expired.

A tornado watch means conditions are right for the formation of a tornado. A warning means that a tornado actually has formed.

The tornado of watch for the Chicago area states:

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE WARNED AREA. TORNADOES CAN DEVELOP QUICKLY FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. ALTHOUGH ONE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY LIKELY...IF A TORNADO IS SPOTTED...ACT QUICKLY AND MOVE TO A PLACE OF SAFETY INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE...SUCH AS A BASEMENT OR SMALL INTERIOR ROOM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THESE STORMS ARE PRODUCING WIND DAMAGE. SEEK SHELTER NOW INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.