Chicago area tornado outbreak leaves major storm damage in wake, collapsed homes in Streator
The Chicago area was pounded by severe storms for hours on Thursday afternoon and evening, with multiple reports of tornado damage stretching from the southwest suburbs to northwest Indiana.
As of late Thursday night, at least 10 reports of tornadoes have been made in Illinois - in Low Point, Ancona, Ransom and Reddick; three reports of a tornado in Streator; and two reports of a tornado in Dwight.
Tornado damage also was reported in Merrillville, Indiana, from a large tornado that also was sighted near Kouts and Hebron.
A tornado touchdown was also reported in Union Grove, Wisconsin, which is west of Racine in southeastern Wisconsin.
Police officers and neighbors were seen rescuing at least one man from a home that collapsed in Streator. Several other homes in Streator had significant damage.
There have been reports of major storm damage in the path of these storms from west to east, including collapsed buildings, and reports of baseball-sized hail. In Streator, homes and buildings collapsed or suffered severe damage.
A confirmed deadly tornado emergency was issued in Washburn, Illinois, before it weakened into a warning that traveled into Streator and Dwight.
A Tornado Watch is in effect for LaPorte County, Indiana, until 1 a.m. CT.
A rare tornado emergency was issued just outside of LaSalle County for a short time Thursday afternoon, for a large and strong tornado on the ground. The National Weather Service very rarely issues tornado emergencies, said meteorologist David Yeomans.
The Chicago area was upgraded to a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms. The National Weather Service warns that the threat for tornadoes is notably higher Thursday than typical during severe weather events, and the threat of more dangerous and violent tornadoes is also enhanced. It is very important to be weather aware Thursday, and prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued when there is potential for violent tornadoes.
This is Chicago's first 4 out of 5 risk since July 15, 2024, when the area saw a record tornado outbreak with 32 touchdowns. This level of risk is typically seen once every two years.
A Flood Advisory is in effect for Will County in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana until 10:45 p.m., and for Boone, DeKalb, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, and Winnebago counties in Illinois until 3 a.m.
A ground stop remains in effect for Midway International Airport as of 8:55 p.m.
Chicago area still cleaning up after Wednesday storms
All this is happening on the heels of a day where storms wreaked havoc all around the Chicago area, pulling down trees and power lines and leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power.
ComEd is reporting more than 5,300 active power outages as of 9:10 p.m., affecting more than 195,000 customers. They are widespread throughout the Chicagoland region
Before the worst of Thursday's storms hit, ComEd expected 80% of the existing outages to be restored by 11 p.m. this coming Saturday. It was not immediately clear how the latest round of storms would affect that estimate. Customers can check for alerts on the ComEd website.
Meanwhile, large trees came down all around the Chicago area. There were also reports of lightning striking a house in Orland Park, and strong winds tearing parts of a roof off a building in Stickney.
Conditions improve Friday with sunshine returning, as well as lower humidity. The nice weather continues into the weekend. There's an additional chance for thunderstorms late Saturday; those storms could turn severe with hail and wind as the main threats.
