175K Without Power As Storms Hit Chicago Area

CHICAGO AREA, IL — A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for most of the Chicago area as a fast-moving line of storms moves through and is expected to cause widespread damage.

As of 8:30 p.m., more than 175,000 total ComEd customers were without power across northern Illinois.

Severe thunderstorm warnings for central Will and southeastern Cook Counties expired at 8:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area. Gusty winds over 35 mph are still likely through 8:45 p.m. in parts of central and southern Cook County.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for northeastern Illinois.

A severe thunderstorm warning was extended until 8:30 p.m. for Cook, Will and DuPage counties Tuesday. Lake, Kane and McHenry counties had severe storm warnings through 8 p.m. At about 7 p.m., severe thunderstorms located along a line extending from near Hebron to near Huntley were moving east at 60 mph.

At 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said wind gusts 60-70 mph were headed toward downtown Chicago and the south side. Northern extent of the strongest winds looks to be south of roughly Humboldt Park to Lincoln Park.

Trained weather spotters have reported damage indicative of 70 mph wind gusts, which could snap medium to large tree limbs, uproot some trees, and cause minor roof damage, according to the National Weather Service.

In addition, a severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. for northern Will, central and southern DuPage, and Cook counties, including Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service.

The main hazard with those storms are damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph. Weather officials say "a brief tornado or two" may also occur.

The highest wind gust observed at Midway Airport ASOS was 54 mph, according to NWS Chicago.

Large hail and cloud to ground lightning is also possible with the storms, according to the National Weather Service. Residents in the warning area should expect considerable tree damage and also wind damage to roofs and mobile homes.

Weather officials are urging residents in the warning area to move to an interior room or to the lowest floor of a building for their protection.

Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the rest of the Chicago area through 10 p.m.

MORE ON PATCH

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Chicago Area
• Tornadoes Reported In McHenry, Kane Counties