Severe thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon and evening across the Midwest to southern portions of the Great Lakes region, accompanied by a risk for damaging wind gusts, hail and some tornadoes.

Chicago weather remains unsettled heading into the weekend, with the possibility of more severe storms Friday that could produce flash flooding and even a brief tornado.

A tornado watch has been issued until 11 p.m. Friday for Cook County and most of northern Illinois. Strong storms are expected to hit the Chicago area between 8 p.m. and midnight, the National Weather Service said.