Dangerous and destructive storms burst across the Chicago area Tuesday, bringing wind gusts of up to 100 mph, possible tornadoes and damaging trees and power lines across the region.
The fast-moving systems powered into the region just before 10 a.m., with the worst of the system gone by 12 p.m.
The line of storms led to a severe squall line that became capable of producing both tornadoes and “extensive straight line wind damage.” Numerous reports of tornadoes on the ground or radar-indicated began popping up, but arguably even more dangerous were the straight line winds.
“These are destructive storms producing measured wind gusts over 100 mph,” the National Weather Service said in its alerts.
Debris was detected with a radar-indicated tornado possible near Oakbrook Terrace and Interstate 88, NBC 5 Meteorologist Pete Sack said. Another was spotted in Homewood, traveling east at 70 mph.
“This is a very dangerous situation we’re looking at right now,” Sack said.
The storms forced some downtown Chicago high-rises to urge those inside to seek shelter. Popular tourist destination Navy Pier had guests and tenants sheltering in place in a parking garage during the storms.
In the wake of the storms, trees were downed, power lines were impacted and roads were blocked by debris.
Here’s a look at some of the damage reported so far:
Plainfield
In Plainfield, authorities said “several locations” were impacted by power outages, tree damage and downed power lines.
“Village and Fire Department personnel are actively working to address hazards affecting public safety and travel,” the suburb said in an alert to residents
Part of Route 126 was closed at Ash Street due to downed wires, with residents being asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until it can be safely reopened.
“Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution in storm affected areas. Never approach, drive over, or touch downed power lines or wires. What may appear to be an inactive wire could still be energized,” officials said.
Meanwhile, a train was blocking several streets after it was stopped by a fallen tree on the tracks.
Flossmoor
The village of Flossmoor reported an unconfirmed tornado touched down around 11 a.m.
“Several trees are down in the Village and streets are blocked. The Flossmoor Road viaduct is flooded, along with many major and neighborhood roads,” the village said.
Emergency crews were working to respond to the damage, but the village asked residents to stay home and “only travel when necessary.”
Orland Park
Orland Park officials said several areas were impacted by the Tuesday storms, reporting powerlines down, street lights out, roadways flooded and trees fallen.
“All crews are working diligently throughout the Village on powerlines, street lights, flooding roadways, downed trees etc. Please remain patient,” the village said.
Traffic lights were reported out at:
• 135th St/Southwest Highway: Completely out all directions
• 143rd St/ Ravinia Ave: Flashing red all directions
Trees and power lines were down at the following locations:
• 8817 Palos Springs Dr : Downed tree blocking the roadway
• 15408 Sunset Ridge Dr: Downed tree blocking the roadway
• Will Cook Rd/Southwest Highway: Downed tree blocking the roadway
• 17620 block of Mayher Dr: Downed tree blocking the roadway
• Lakebrook Dr/Brook Crossing Ct: Downed tree blocking the roadway
•11444 Twin Lakes Dr : Downed tree blocking the roadway
• Amber Ln / Padre Ln: Downed tree blocking the roadway
•13720 Tamerack Ln: Downed tree blocking the roadway
There are currently several areas affected by this morning’s storm. Please follow this post for updates throughout the day, as it will be updated.
All crews are working diligently throughout the Village on powerlines, street lights, flooding roadways, downed trees etc. Please remain patient.
****UPDATE 12:07PM****
TRAFFIC LIGHTS OUT:
• 135th St/Southwest Highway: Completely out all directions
• 143rd St/ Ravinia Ave: Flashing red all directions
WIRES DOWN/TREES DOWN
• 8817 Palos Springs Dr : Downed tree blocking the roadway
• 15408 Sunset Ridge Dr: Downed tree blocking the roadway
• Will Cook Rd/Southwest Highway: Downed tree blocking the roadway
• 17620 block of Mayher Dr: Downed tree blocking the roadway
• Lakebrook Dr/Brook Crossing Ct: Downed tree blocking the roadway
•11444 Twin Lakes Dr : Downed tree blocking the roadway
• Amber Ln / Padre Ln: Downed tree blocking the roadway
•13720 Tamerack Ln: Downed tree blocking the roadway
Homewood
Officials said they were aware of “many downed power lines” in the Chicago suburb as they began to assess damage from the storms.
The 183rd Street viaduct and the Dixie Highway viaduct in Homewood were both closed due to standing water, with officials asked residents to avoid the following locations:
– Halsted at Ridge Road is completely blocked– the Willow Road and Dixie Highway intersection
“We are asking residents to limit unnecessary travel at this time,” officials said in their alert. “Please use caution if you must be on the road, allow extra time, and be alert for downed trees, debris, standing water, and other storm-related hazards.”
Romeoville
Multiple roads were closed due to flooding and downed tree branches, officials said.
“Please use caution if you need to travel and be prepared to seek alternative routes,” the suburb said in its alert.
Several power outages were reported and those needing shelter were told to go to the Recreation Center at 900 W. Romeo Road.
Tinley Park
Tinley Park said its Emergency Operations Center was activated to respond to damage from the severe storms.
“The Village is assessing damage at this time,” an alert from the city read.
Crestwood
Footage showed massive trees downed by the strong storms.
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