Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Large hail possible in Chicago area amid severe weather – NBC Chicago

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The Chicago area faces threats from isolated tornadoes and strong winds Tuesday, but very large hail is also possible, according to the National Weather Service.

A tornado watch was issued for the entire area until 10 p.m. Tuesday, but forecasters are also warning the public. There is also a chance for some dangerously large hail.

According to the watch, there is an “elevated hail risk,” with some hail reaching up to 3 inches in diameter. According to NWS officials, for context, it's only slightly larger than a baseball.

Hail of that size can not only damage windows, siding and roofs, but can also cause serious damage to cars and even physical injuries, estimates suggest such stones. Can fall from the sky at over 40 miles per hour.

Hail could become even more dangerous as severe storms move into the area, and people are urged to seek shelter. Winds of 30 to 40 mph will be frequent throughout Tuesday evening, with some gusts up to 60 mph.

Other storms may develop One-inch diameter hailstones, Or roughly the size of a golf ball, according to officials.

According to NWS standards, any hail larger than one inch in diameter is considered “severe” in nature.

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