A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the Chicago metro area on Tuesday evening by the National Weather Service.
The watch is in effect until 11 p.m. CDT for a large Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, de Kalb, Dupage, Grundy, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lake, La Salle, Lee, Mchenry, Mercer, Ogle, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will, and Winnebago counties, the NWS said.
The NWS calls on residents to “avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use ... Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use ... Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.”
It adds: “Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches ... If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.”
