Severe storms bringing potentially damaging winds are approaching the Chicago area late Friday night, as a fast-moving squall line races through the state.The fast-moving line of storms will be capable of producing destructive winds over 70 miles per hour and potential tornadoes before the storm system clears the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana around 3 a.

The threat of severe weather looms in the Chicago area this week, bringing potential for damaging winds and strong storms to 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.