Suburbs could see hail, heavy thunderstorms today

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the Chicago area that includes heavy thunderstorms, possible hail and strong winds Thursday afternoon.

The strongest thunderstorms are expected to sweep through Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane and Dupage counties between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, according to the weather service.

The strongest thunderstorms could produce hail, damaging winds up to 60 mph, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.

Officials also said an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

A cold front will move in Friday that will cause temperatures to dip as low as 26 degrees overnight, officials said.