Severe storms race through Chicago area Friday night; more strong winds on Saturday
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, and was expected to clear the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana between 2 and 3 a.m. Saturday.
The storms prompted tornado warnings in parts of the western suburbs and northwest Indiana, but it was not immediately clear if any tornadoes actually touched down.
There have been multiple reports of downed trees and tree limbs in McHenry, and damage to roofs in Elgin. There were also reports of blown power transformers catching fire in Rolling Meadows; and downed power lines in Aurora and Maple Park, where there had been tornado warnings late Friday night.
ComEd reported more than 24,000 customers have lost power due to the storms as of 1:20 a.m.
After the storms clear out, high winds will remain on Saturday. By daybreak we turn our attention to high winds gusting to 60 mph. A high wind warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to noon.
In Aurora, crews linked up their wood chippers and checked their chainsaws in preparation for Friday night's storms. The wind gusts could easily topple trees throughout the area.
"We haven't really ran trees all week, so we've been able to go through the saws and make sure that everything is in good shape," said Michael Adams, Aurora maintenance worker.
Weekend will bring a mix in temperatures to Chicago
Storms clear early Saturday, giving way to dry conditions for the Chicago River dyeing and parade. Saturday will be an even windier day as gusts exceed 60 miles per hour.
A high wind watch is in effect as winds of this strength will likely cause tree damage, possible power outages, and make travel difficult.
The intense winds are expected to subside Saturday into Sunday morning. There will be a colder feel by the end of the weekend with highs in the lower 40s.
