Strong winds of 85 miles per hour, tornado and hail-like conditions tore through the Chicago area on Monday, leaving flash floods, downed trees and power lines and damage to apartment buildings as it blew from west to east. traveling from Elgin to Lake Michigan.
As of early Monday, more than 44,000 ComEd customers were still without power, according to the ComEd interruption card.
As tornado warnings in Cook, Kane and other counties created dangerous weather conditions, O’Hare passengers were ordered to take shelter on the spot and a ground stop was issued for nearly an hour.
The National Weather Service will investigate the suburbs of Chicago for potential tornado damage
Photos and videos from across the Chicago area show damage to residential buildings, neighborhoods and backyards, leaving some unable to return to their homes due to dangerous debris from bad weather.
Damage from a storm in Belwood
A statement from the Brookfield Zoo said it should postpone its opening to Tuesday due to storm damage. “We received significant damage to our territory due to last night’s storm,” said zoo officials. “This morning we will clear the fallen trees and paths and assess the huge damage.
Nearby, in the western suburbs of Chicago, Belwood, the storm was particularly severe for tenants of a three-story apartment building on 24th Avenue and Washington. Many residents say they first heard hail and strong winds, then seconds later noticed that part of the roof had come off. The tenants hurried out of the building until the fire department arrived to help.
At least 18 families have been displaced and two people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to Andre Harvey, mayor of Belwood.
A civil engineer is expected to inspect the building today to see if and when the occupant can return.
A number of residents of a Belwood apartment building were displaced on Monday after a raging storm broke off its roof, NBC 5’s Regina Waldrop reported.
More damage was done down the street, where some found their cars hit by the storm.
“I’m glad no one was sitting in it,” said Naisha Ellis, a resident whose car was damaged.
Damage from a storm in Belwood
As the severe storm receded, extreme heat and dangerous humidity moved inside.
The entire Chicago area is under warning of excessive heat until 8 pm on Wednesday. Tuesday’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of 98 degrees – just one degree below the 1987 record – but the heat index will make things feel hotter, with heat indices expected to reach between 105-110 in most places.
Relief from the heat is not expected until Thursday, when temperatures are expected to fall by the 80’s.
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