Damaging Wind Event in the Midwest

The first severe thunderstorm watch -- for 75 mph winds -- has been issued. Please follow me on Twitter @usweatherexpert for more information. 

-- original posting --

After numerous tornadoes in northern Illinois yesterday, 

damaging winds likely today. 

This is an important forecast so please allow me to break it down:

• The hatching is where wind gusts stronger than 75 mph are forecasted to occur.
• The red area has an enhanced risk for those winds.
• The yellow area has a significant chance 75+ mph winds where it is hatched; elsewhere wind gusts of 60 to 75 mph are forecasted. 

If you live in the hatched area -- especially if are you in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and far northeast Iowa, please prepare for the possibility of power failures and downed trees. It is a good idea to bring in lawn furniture, trampolines and other items that can be blown about.