Tornado Strikes Cook County: Cleanup and School Delays Underway
Cook County, Illinois, is recovering from a severe weather event that included an EF-1 tornado and a derecho on August 11, 2026. The storm caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power outages, prompting local officials to initiate cleanup and recovery efforts. Residents are being urged to complete a Self-Assessment Storm Damage Survey to document the impact. In response to the ongoing cleanup, local school districts have delayed the start of the academic year. Public works crews are actively removing tree debris, and residents are advised to follow specific guidelines for debris placement to expedite the process. The Flossmoor Fall Parkway Tree Planting Program is also accepting applications until August 21, 2026. 
