| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Tornadoes | Multiple tornadoes reported in the Chicago area, with at least 5 confirmed. |
| Damage | Widespread damage reported, including downed trees, power lines, and porch collapses. |
| Storms | Severe thunderstorms sparked the tornadoes, with radar indicating intense low-level rotation. |
| Weather Alerts | Tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood warnings issued for multiple counties. |
Multiple Tornadoes Strike Chicago Area
On Monday evening, July 16, 2024, the Chicago area was hit by a series of severe storms that spawned multiple tornadoes. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that at least 5 tornadoes touched down in the region, causing significant damage and disruption.
Storm Details
- Tornadoes: The storms produced “dozens of circulations” that led to multiple tornadoes, with radar indicating intense low-level rotation. The NWS confirmed several tornadoes, including one near Sugar Grove, which moved into the Aurora area, and another near Oswego, which moved into Plainfield and southern Naperville.
- Damage: The storms left behind a trail of destruction, with reports of downed trees, power lines, and porch collapses. The Chicago Fire Department responded to several incidents, including a block of trees down near 70th and Campbell.
- Weather Alerts: Tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood warnings were issued for multiple counties, including Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties.
Impact
- Power Outages: Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power, with ComEd reporting over 303,000 customers affected.
- Airport Disruptions: Both O’Hare and Midway international airports were under a ground stop due to the severe weather.
- Transportation Disruptions: Trains on multiple Metra lines were halted due to high wind warnings.
Weather Conditions
- Severe Thunderstorms: The storms were characterized as “destructive thunderstorms” by the NWS, with radar indicating intense low-level rotation.
- Wind Speeds: Wind speeds reached hurricane-force levels in some areas, with gusts of up to 76 mph reported on the south side of Valparaiso, Indiana.
Response and Recovery
- Emergency Services: Emergency services, including the Chicago Fire Department, responded to numerous incidents, and crews worked to restore power and assess damage.
- Community Impact: The severe weather disrupted daily life, with a classic rock concert at Wrigley Field starting earlier than planned due to the storms.
The full extent of the damage and impact of these tornadoes is still being assessed, but it is clear that the Chicago area has been severely affected by this severe weather event.
