Severe Storms Impact Midwest with Tornadoes, Power Outages, and Damage

Severe storms swept through the Midwest, causing significant disruptions and damage. Power outages affected hundreds of thousands, buildings suffered damage, and flights faced cancellations. At least one person died as new tornadoes hit areas outside Chicago late Thursday.

Tornadoes and High Winds

Thursdays saw tornado reports in 11 cities across Illinois and Wisconsin. According to CBS News, meteorologist Nikki Nolan reported wind gusts reaching 75 mph in Mason City and 70 mph in Morton and Washington, Illinois. Over 243,000 customers lost power in Illinois.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center elevated the severe risk in Chicago to level 4 out of 5, marking the first level 4 risk since July 2024 when a tornado outbreak occurred. Tornadoes hit rural areas southwest of Chicago, damaging buildings in Streator, a manufacturing city approximately 100 miles away. Streator Mayor Tara Bedei confirmed tornado damage but reported no fatalities as of Thursday evening.

“I heard a woman screaming for help.” — Storm chaser Scott Lasker, who assisted in rescuing a person trapped in rubble in Streator.

Midwest and Northeast Face Severe Weather

In Des Moines, Iowa, a 54-year-old man died after being struck by a falling tree during powerful storms, police stated. The weather service received reports of tornadoes across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois, causing trees and utility wires to fall. Thunderstorms continued in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, prompting tornado watches or warnings.

Flight disruptions occurred in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Newark. The Northeast and mid-Atlantic contended with high heat and humidity.

Personal Accounts of Survival

Joe Brandonisio, a winery owner in Maple Park, Illinois, told CBS News that a worker tied himself to a water trailer during the storm. Shane Tipton from Unionville, Missouri shared his experience as a tornado destroyed his home. He evacuated his father and drove to safety moments before the tornado struck.

Deana Corbin, executive director of Animal Protective League in Springfield, noted that no animals were harmed when their shelter buildings were heavily damaged. The community helped shelter the animals temporarily.

Flight Delays and Power Restoration Efforts

The storm system, fueled by contrasting air masses, threatened the East Coast with dangerous heat and humidity. Philadelphia declared a heat health emergency, offering cooling centers and additional resources. New York City officials advised precautions against the heat.

Air travel was disrupted, with over 1,000 flights delayed or canceled in Chicago. Storms damaged an apartment building’s roof in the Chicago area, forcing residents to evacuate. Barns and buildings in Wisconsin and Missouri also suffered damage.

Commonwealth Edison Company announced efforts to restore power after storms downed poles and wires, with an expected 80% restoration by Saturday, June 13.