Severe Storms Leave 1,800 Highland Park Homes Without Power

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Severe thunderstorms Tuesday night downed trees and power lines across the North Shore, leaving widespread power outages in their wake. More damaging winds might be on the way.

As of Wednesday morning, ComEd estimated about 1,800 Highland Park households remained without power, according to city staff. About 200,000 customers were affected throughout the region.

Power company representatives expect to be able to restore electricity service to most homes by 11 p.m., although some residents may have to wait until Friday afternoon.

Residents without power or air conditioning were encouraged to visit one of the city's cooling centers: The Recreation Center at 1207 Park Ave. W., which is open 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and closed Friday; Highland Park Public Library at 494 Laurel Ave., open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and City Hall at 1707 St. Johns Ave., open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Forecasts indicate another storm could be right around the corner, with a window of between 7 and 11 p.m. Wednesday.

"Damaging winds capable of uprooting trees will be possible with this line," according to the National Weather Service. "Locally large hail and a brief embedded tornado cannot be ruled out."

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 1 p.m. in Lake County. Further updates are expected.

Related: Storm Warnings, Watches Issued For Chicago Area

Downed tree limbs, debris and other issues can be reported to the public works department at 847-432-0807 or online.

Issues with power lines should be reported to ComEd at 800-EDISON-1, and downed lines can also be reported online.

Landscape debris on private property will be accepted by Lakeshore Recycling Services. More information is available by calling 773-685-8811 or online.

City officials also reminded residents of Wednesday's scheduled test of the federal Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Starting at 1:20 p.m., the system will send out a test alert to all televisions and radios, while the wireless portion of the test will be sent to cellphones where the subscriber has opted to receive such messages.