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.

Chicagoland residents should brace for a wild weather weekend as strong winds, fire risks, and the potential for severe storms are on the horizon.

A line of strong thunderstorms blowing across the Midwest will hit the Chicago area Friday night, bringing high winds and the possibility of some spin-up tornadoes on the squall line.