Giant Hail Storm, Floods Swapping Homes, Cars in Chicago, Rockford

"Severe thunderstorm warnings popped off in the greater Chicago area through the evening Thursday. While the weather quieted down later in the night in Chicago, dangerous weather continued. A tornado warning was issued for central Bureau County until 11 p.m., after a storm capable of producing a tornado was spotted. Severe thunderstorm warnings have als

o been issued for parts of Putnam, Henry, and Bureau counties in north central and northwestern Illinois. This line of storms was also bringing drenching rain and a risk of flash floods, and was expected to hit the more immediate Chicago area through the midnight hour. Thunderstorms are expected to continue later tonight. Rockford police have urged drivers to stay off the roads tonight due to the flooding and overall poor driving conditions. Numerous teams from the Rockford Police Department, Rockford Fire Department and Public Works Department are “assessing damage, closing dangerous roads, assisting residents and businesses,” Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement. “For the safety of all, please stay off the roads.” Alpine Kiwanis said it will begin cleanup of its sites tomorrow morning. It has security in place tonight." DW