(AP) -- Illinois is in for some rough weather, with high winds and the possibility of tornadoes in the forecast across the state.

"it's been a long time obviously since we've had any severe weather across the Tri-State area, and I want our viewers to be on a particularly high level of alert because we have some dangerous situations. Overnight weather rivaled events in May and June in our area," said KHQA's Chief Meteorologist Landon Mitchell.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning that's effective from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Tornado watches or warnings have been issued for the entire Chicago area, much of central and northwest Illinois and parts of southern Illinois.

The weather service says a wind gust that topped 50 miles per hour was reported early Tuesday in the Chicago suburb of Lombard.

The winds have already caused some damage.

ComEd spokesman Bennie Currie says the utility is trying to restore power to about 5,600 customers.

Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Allsopp says the storm is expected to be one of the most powerful Illinois has seen in more than 70 years.

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