After the storms clear out, high winds will remain on Saturday, with a high wind warning in effect from 7 a.m. to noon.

As many as 150 million people in the U.S. face a potential severe weather outbreak in the coming days. Storms will likely reach the Tampa Bay area late Sunday, bringing a marginal risk of severe weather to part of the region.

A line of severe thunderstorms, the first extreme weather event of the year, will hit the Chicago area around midnight Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Severe storms bringing potentially damaging winds were sweeping through the Chicago area late Friday night, as a fast-moving squall line raced through the state. The fast-moving line of storms was capable of producing destructive winds over 70 miles per hour and potential tornadoes,

High winds remain the primary concern for the incoming storms, reaching up to 75 miles per hour. Tornadoes are still a possibility.

After a day of near record-high temperatures and sunny skies, the Chicago area is bracing for possibly severe storms and dangerously high winds heading into Saturday. A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for all Illinois counties of the Chicago area until 2 a.

The warm-up continues with a storm threat on the way for the Chicago area. A sunny and milder day is ahead on Thursday with highs in the 60s. A windy warm-up for Friday with highs in the 70s. A wind advisory has been issued for wind gusts over 40 miles per hour from 4 p.