A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been put into effect for Cook and Lake Counties, according to the National Weather Service.

The Watch will last until 1 a.m. Wednesday and has been prompted by Thunderstorm Warnings that were issued for 6:28 p.m. until 7:15 p.m by the NWS.

(Earlier: Check out Patch's Summer 2011 storm coverage.)

"Doppler radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing destructive winds in excess of 70 MPH. These storms were located along a line extending from Winthrop Harbor to North Chicago to Oakwood Hills to Morengo. . moving southeast at 50 MPH." according to the NWS.