Brace for storms, high winds tonight

A widespread line of thunderstorms with heavy downpours and winds up to 60 mph is expected across the suburbs, Chicago and most of the state by tonight.

The National Weather Service's Hazardous Weather Outlook, issued Tuesday afternoon, calls for showers and thunderstorms, along with a strong cold front and the potential to produce wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph. There's also a slight chance for an isolated tornado in the western part of Illinois.

A wind advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. Thursday, with expected southerly winds gusting to 45 mph tonight, then shifting west by Thursday morning and gusting up to 50 mph, according to the weather service.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency released a statement Tuesday encouraging residents to be aware of local forecasts and be prepared to act quickly if storm warnings are issued.

"Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen any time of the year," said agency Director James Joseph in the statement. "We're keeping an eye on the storm system predicted for Wednesday, and encourage everyone to stay aware and be prepared to seek shelter if a storm warning is issued."