Crews Tend to Elgin's 'Tornado-Like Damage' After 90-MPH Winds: July 25 Update

ELGIN, IL - The National Weather Service declared Friday’s storm a microburst, consisting of a super cell storm path that caused the most intense damage from Elgin to Itasca.

The microburst was consistent with 70- to 90- mph winds that yielded tornado-like damage. As of Monday, city crews had resolved all known public safety issues from the storm, such as downed limbs blocking streets or driveways.

Crews have since moved into "cleanup mode", working extra hours to clear debris from the storm’s hardest hit areas. Those incurring the most damage were north of Chicago Street and south of Interstate 90, officials said.

Damage included fallen trees, limbs, and branches on homes, vehicles and wires, as well as blocked streets, driveways and sidewalks. In addition, Elgin experienced more than 5,000 power outages. Most of those lapses were restored on Saturday, but some residents remained without power until Sunday afternoon. ComEd continues to handle damage involving wires.

"With much left to clean up, patience is appreciated as city crews work through neighborhoods," officials said on Monday. "Branches and limbs should be placed in the area between the sidewalk and street, often referred to as a 'parkway' or 'tree bank,' as soon as possible."

City crews are making every effort through July 29 to pick up debris. Officials will not be tending to trees on private property; residents will need to hire contractors for such work.

In addition, yard waste stickers will not be required through Monday, July 31, for those placing debris in yard waste bags on their regular collection days.

Closures remaining in effect on Tuesday due to flooding and storm damage were:

• Wing Park, 1000 Wing St.
  • *Note: Wing Park pool is open, but access to the pool is limited to the McClure Avenue park entrance
    
• Walton Island Park
• Varsity Drive near Elgin High School
• The intersection of Linden and Preston avenues.]

Residents can report downed branches and dangerous hanging limbs on public property by calling 311 locally or 847-931-6001 if not within the city limits. They may also email elgin311@cityofelgin.org, or submit a request via the Elgin 311 mobile app.