Flooding, Hail Threaten Chicago

Thunderstorms are expected to roll through Cook County Wednesday afternoon, bringing with them heavy rainfall, baseball-size hail and even the possibility of tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS already has issued a flash flood watch that runs from late Wednesday afternoon and into early Friday morning. The rain from these storms could cause small creeks and streams to overflow onto roads and into houses and other structures.

Rainfall between 1 to 3 inches could fall in the area, with the heaviest falling along and north of I-80, according to the NWS. Heavy winds reaching 75 mph or more, as well as hail, also are forecasted by the weather service.

UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm warning issued for Cook County is in effect until 6:45 p.m.