Wind gusts up to 60 mph could hit Chicago area Friday, forecasters say

Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour could hit the Chicago area on Friday, forecasters said.

A high wind watch is in effect for northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The high wind will pick up Thursday night, with wind up to 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph, forecasters say. Gusts may peak at 60 mph Friday afternoon.

The high winds come after powerful supercell thunderstorms produced tornadoes Tuesday in Kankakee County and parts of Northwest Indiana. Those storms left an elderly Indiana couple dead and caused widespread damage.

Friday's wind could cause damage to tree limbs, loose furniture, and roofing and could make driving on open roads more difficult.

"When you're driving, especially on roads more open to the wind, you gotta be careful around trucks because they get pushed a little bit more," said Mark Ratzer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Romeoville office. "Just be cautious and keep your eyes open and be aware of what's going on."

There's a slight chance of snow showers Saturday, and possible rain and snow on Sunday, forecasters say. The temperature will also drop. Friday night's low could be 32 degrees; Sunday night's low around 20 degrees; and Monday night's low around 10 degrees.