CHICAGO –The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from 4 p.m. Friday, March 14 to 7 a.m. Saturday, March 15, with severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and tornadoes possible Friday night.  A High Wind Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday through noon on Saturday and a Wind Advisory is in effect from noon on Saturday to 5 p.m. on Saturday. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect today due to the threat of uncontrolled brush fire spread.

For the High Wind Warning, strong winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. For the first Wind Advisory, winds of 25 to 35 mph gusting up to 55 mph and  for the 2^nd Wind Advisory winds of 20-30 mph gusting up to 50 mph. In addition, a fast-moving line of thunderstorms will move across the area on Friday night, some may be severe.

With St. Pat’s activities this weekend, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and businesses to take precautions to secure outdoor objects, fencing and decorations due to high winds.  Also note the increased risk of grass or brush fires igniting and quickly spreading with the high winds.  Power outages are also possible. Report fallen wires and any other emergencies to

9-1-1. Use caution for flying debris and call 3-1-1 to report non-emergency incidents or tree debris.

OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and will coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments as needed.

OEMC recommends staying informed and heeding warnings from officials. Download the Chicago OEMC App for updated alerts and safety tips as well as street closures for the St Patrick’s Day events.

Before a storm:

• Keep notifications and alerts enabled on cell phones to get warnings.
• Charge cell phones

Chicago OEMC App

• Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app in order to have the latest information on weather conditions from the National Weather Service in Chicago, event information, street closures and more. To download the app, visit gov/OEMCor the Apple or Google Play stores.

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org or sign up for TEXT alerts:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).

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