Active Weather Alerts
Gale Warning
Issued: 3:08 PM Feb. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS MORNING... ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...For the Small Craft Advisory, southwest winds to 30 kt expected. For the Gale Warning, southwest gales to 35 kt expected. * WHERE...Winthrop Harbor to Calumet Harbor IL. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 10 AM CST this morning. For the Gale Warning, until 6 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. &&
Red Flag Warning
Issued: 3:03 PM Feb. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING... The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect until 8 PM CST this evening. * Affected Area...Lake IL, DuPage, Cook, Will and Kankakee. * Timing...Until 8 PM CST this evening. * Winds...Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * Relative Humidity...As low as 15 to 20 percent. * Impacts...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. &&
Wind Advisory
Issued: 2:55 PM Feb. 18, 2026 – National Weather Service
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Boone, De Kalb, Lee, Central Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake IL, McHenry, and Northern Cook Counties. * WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. &&
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