NEW : The mid- east will most likely have severe weather Thursday . NEW : Trees and power lines are downed west of Chicago . about 8 miles wind gusts , dime-sized hail in West Virginia ; stronger winds seen elsewhere . A fast-moving storm system struck parts of the Upper Midwest hard on Wednesday evening , delivering blows to Chicago and many other communities before moving quickly to inflict damage farther east . Tornado watches extend as far east as Chicago , Chicago .
NEW : The mid- east will most likely have severe weather Thursday . NEW : Trees and power lines are downed west of Chicago . about 8 miles wind gusts , dime-sized hail in West Virginia ; stronger winds seen elsewhere . Tornado watches extend as far east as Chicago , Chicago .