Severe storms bringing potentially damaging winds were sweeping through the Chicago area late Friday night, as a fast-moving squall line raced through the state. The fast-moving line of storms was capable of producing destructive winds over 70 miles per hour and potential tornadoes,

As many as 150 million people in the U.S. face a potential severe weather outbreak in the coming days. Storms will likely reach the Tampa Bay area late Sunday, bringing a marginal risk of severe weather to part of 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.

The warm-up continues with a storm threat on the way for the Chicago area. A sunny and milder day is ahead on Thursday with highs in the 60s. A windy warm-up for Friday with highs in the 70s. A wind advisory has been issued for wind gusts over 40 miles per hour from 4 p.

High winds remain the primary concern for the incoming storms, reaching up to 75 miles per hour. Tornadoes are still a possibility.

After a day of near record-high temperatures and sunny skies, the Chicago area is bracing for possibly severe storms and dangerously high winds heading into Saturday. A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for all Illinois counties of the Chicago area until 2 a.