Meteorologists Tuesday were warning of the possibility of thunderstorms in Chicago beginning around noon, which could also produce choppy waves on Lake Michigan, half dollar-sized “damaging hail” and winds as strong as 40 mph — hefty enough to down tree limbs or power lines, according to the National Weather Service.

       The thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by southwest winds, which should be strongest in the Chicago area from about noon to 6 p.m. The weather service said the severe weather could rank as a “2″ on a scale of one through five and should have passed through the area by 8 p.m.

       “There is a threat for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail this afternoon between about noon and 8 p.m. The highest threat area for these storms is generally along and east of the Interstate 55 corridor across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana,” according to an alert from the weather service.

       A mix of light and dark clouds fill the sky above the Willis Tower, as seen from Guaranteed Rate Field, on Aug. 24, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

       Forecasters said residents may want to bring loose objects in from outside or find a way to secure them, because the strong winds “may blow around loose objects such as trash bins and patio furniture.”

       The weather could also kick up waves on Lake Michigan, particularly on much of the Indiana side of the lake, from the Indiana Dunes east, meteorologists said.

       [Most read] As CPD makes changes to increase diversity, a former candidate questions department’s seemingly unforgiving hiring process ？

       “Thunderstorms may also lead to locally erratic waves along the entire lakeshore,” according to the weather service. Waves could reach 3 to 5 feet and life-threatening currents may also be present.

       The 2021 beach season ended Monday, the last day lifeguards were present for the year. So while the weather service warned swimming would likely be unsafe, the city reminds the public swimming in the lake will not be permitted until Memorial Day of 2022.

       The beach hazards statement that was issued Tuesday is in effect through 1 p.m. Wednesday, as is a small craft advisory. The system is also expected to significantly drop the temperature as it moves into the area; the low temperature Tuesday could dip to 59 degrees, forecasters said.

       Check back for updates and for more on the forecast, visit the Tribune’s weather page.

       kdouglas@chicagotribune.com

       Twitter @312BreakingNews

       Chicago’s summer 2021: It was hot, wet and full of severe weather. Plus, a preview of what forecasters expect this fall.

       Sep 5, 2021

       Weekend forecast calls for hot and humid conditions

       Aug 26, 2021

       Breaking News As CPD makes changes to increase diversity, a former candidate questions department’s seemingly unforgiving hiring process

       59m

       Politics Chicago aldermen are up for their biggest raises in 15 years. Will any of them turn it down?

       5:00 AM

       Horoscopes Daily horoscope for September 7, 2021

       12:00 AM