Severe storms impacted the Midwest, leading to power outages for hundreds of thousands, building damage, and flight cancellations. At least one person died. Tornadoes appeared in communities near Chicago late Thursday. Approximately 11 Illinois and Wisconsin cities reported tornadoes by Thursday evening according to CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan. Wind gusts of 75 mph occurred in Mason City, Illinois, and 70 mph in Morton and Washington, Illinois.
According to utility tracker PowerOutage.us, over 243,000 customers lacked power in Illinois by Thursday night. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center increased the Chicago area’s severe risk to level 4 out of 5, indicating likely widespread severe storms. CBS News Chicago reported this is the first level 4 risk in Chicago since July 15, 2024, during a major tornado outbreak with 32 touchdowns. Such a risk typically occurs every two years.
The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes mainly in rural areas southwest of Chicago. Preliminary reports indicate building damage in Streator, a manufacturing and farm city about 100 miles from Chicago. A confirmed tornado struck Streator, but Mayor Tara Bedei stated no fatalities were reported as of Thursday evening.
Storm chaser and video journalist Scott Lasker, present in Streator during the tornado outbreak, recounted a rescue where he aided a woman’s husband trapped in debris.
Tornadoes were reported across northern Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois on Wednesday. Trees and utility wires fell across the region. A 54-year-old man died in Des Moines, Iowa, struck by a falling tree during the storms. His death was reported by police and other injuries or deaths have not been noted.
Intense downpours, hail, and thunderstorms continued Thursday with tornado watches or warnings across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Strong storms affected flights in cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Newark, New Jersey. Parts of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic also faced high heat and humidity.
In Illinois’ Maple Park, winery owner Joe Brandonisio described one worker tying himself to a water trailer to avoid being blown away during a powerful storm.
In Unionville, Missouri, Shane Tipton hurried to evacuate his father, Jimmie Tipton, from their home before a tornado destroyed it. They escaped in their truck and watched the tornado obliterate the mobile home. Search efforts began in debris for Jimmie Tipton’s medications. Kylie Rouse started a fundraiser to aid recovery.
Springfield, Illinois residents suspect a tornado touched down there late Wednesday. The Animal Protective League shelter suffered significant damage, although none of the nearly 150 cats and 28 dogs were harmed. The community provided temporary care for the animals.
Damage also affected Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield. Meteorologist Frank Pereira attributed the storms’ cause to cool Canadian air colliding with warm, humid southern air.
intense heat and humidity were expected from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast on Thursday and Friday. Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency, offering cooling centers and services for the vulnerable.
Flight disruptions occurred at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, and New York’s JFK, with over 1,000 flights delayed or canceled, reported by FlightAware.
Strong winds partially tore off an apartment building roof near Chicago, forcing resident evacuations. Barns collapsed in Wisconsin and buildings were crushed in rural northern Missouri, as images online depicted.
Commonwealth Edison Company indicated downed poles and wires from the storms across northern Illinois, estimating 80% electricity restoration by June 13.