The threat into the afternoon is mainly along and south of Interstate 80, ABC 7 Chicago meteorologist Cheryl Scott said.
Storms began crossing the Wisconsin state line about 4 a.m. Friday, and it appeared to be quite the light show in Lake and McHenry counties. The storms progressed across the area and moved through Chicago by about 8 a.m., ABC 7 Chicago meteorologist Tracy Butler said.
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RELATED | ABC7 AccuWeather 7-day Forecast
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for Lake Geneva, Walworth and Kenosha Counties in Wisconsin until 4 a.m.
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On Sheridan Road in Evanston, a tree fell across the road about 4:45 a.m., and heavy rain appeared to make roads slick and create standing water.
Chicago weather: Overnight storms could become severe
Winds between 40 and 50 mph were recorded in the Chicago suburbs, Butler said.
Over 17,000 people were without power at about 6 a.m., as the storms swept through, ComEd said.
But the rain is especially needed in the northern suburbs. Lake and McHenry counties are currently in an "extreme" drought - the worst since 2012.