At least two tornadoes touched down in Illinois Thursday as severe storms battered the Chicago metropolitan area, leaving widespread damage and prompting emergency alerts that kept residents under tornado warnings for hours. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornadoes in DuPage and Cook counties, with additional reports of wind damage, downed power lines, and structural harm across the region. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as the storm system continued moving eastward.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the first tornado was confirmed near Addison in DuPage County around 3:30 p.m. CDT, with another forming shortly after near Lemont. The storms produced winds exceeding 70 mph in some areas, flattening trees, damaging roofs, and leaving thousands without power. The Chicago Department of Public Health reported at least 12 injuries requiring medical attention, though officials stressed the total could rise as assessments continued.
Photos and videos shared on social media showed debris scattered across streets, uprooted trees blocking roads, and damaged property in neighborhoods from the city’s western suburbs to its southern reaches. The Chicago Department of Transportation reported multiple road closures, including on I-88 and I-55, as crews worked to clear debris and restore traffic flow.
Where the Damage Was Worst
DuPage County bore the brunt of the tornadoes, with the National Weather Service describing the Addison area as experiencing “significant structural damage.” In Cook County, wind gusts reached 65 mph in parts of Markham and Worth, where reports of collapsed sheds and broken windows flooded emergency dispatchers. The ComEd utility company reported over 25,000 customers without power as of 8 p.m. CDT, with restoration efforts underway.
The storms also triggered flash flooding in low-lying areas, including parts of the Chicago River basin. The Chicago Tribune reported water rescues in several suburban neighborhoods, where streets became impassable. Meteorologists warned that additional thunderstorms could develop overnight, though the immediate tornado threat had diminished by evening.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declared a state of emergency for Cook County, activating the city’s emergency operations center. The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications advised residents to avoid downed power lines, stay clear of flooded areas, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The American Red Cross set up shelters in multiple locations, including at the St. James Parish Center in Chicago’s Northwest Side.
Governor J.B. Pritzker authorized the deployment of the Illinois National Guard to assist with debris removal and search-and-rescue operations. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency reported coordination with federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to assess damage and determine eligibility for disaster assistance.
Photos and Videos: The Storm’s Impact
Residents and local news crews captured dramatic footage of the storms’ fury. Below are some of the most striking images and videos from the scene:
Tornado confirmed near Addison, IL. @NWSChicago reports EF-1 damage with winds up to 90 mph. 📸: @WGNTV
What Comes Next
The National Weather Service has issued a statement warning of lingering hazards, including high winds and isolated thunderstorms through Friday morning. Authorities urge residents to remain cautious, especially when clearing debris or inspecting damaged property. ComEd has advised customers to report outages via their mobile app or website, while the city’s emergency management team will continue assessing structural damage and coordinating with state and federal partners.
For those affected, the American Red Cross and local churches are offering shelter and supplies. Residents with power outages are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and avoid using generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you experienced damage or have information about unsafe conditions, report it to your local emergency management office or share updates on social media using #Chicagostorms. For mental health support, the Chicago United Way offers crisis counseling at 211.
