Severe thunderstorm warnings were also in effect for northern Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana, and southeast Will and eastern Kankakee counties in Illinois, until 3:15 p.m.

A tornado watch for much of the Chicago area has been issued as possibly severe storms approach the region, potentially bringing damaging winds and hail. The watch, in effect for the entire metropolitan area besides DeKalb,

Hail and massive wind gusts pelted the Chicago area as severe thunderstorms rumbled through Sunday afternoon. The system had prompted a tornado watch covering most of northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana, but the National Weather Service canceled it by 3:15 p.m. with storms rolling out over Lake Michigan.