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Tornadoes and Severe Storms Strike Chicago's South Suburbs

Tornadoes and Severe Storms Strike Chicago's South Suburbs

At least two tornadoes were confirmed in Chicago's south suburbs during severe storms on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The National Weather Service identified one EF-1 tornado in eastern Will County near Monee and Crete, and another EF-1 or stronger tornado in southern Cook County near Oak Forest and Flossmoor. The storms brought damaging winds, with gusts reaching up to 115 mph and potentially as high as 120 mph. Rain-wrapped tornadoes made visibility difficult, and the storms caused significant damage to homes, trees, and power lines across affected areas. Communities such as Homewood, Flossmoor, Lansing, and Crown Point, Indiana, experienced widespread destruction, with some residents describing the scene as apocalyptic. Power outages and road closures were reported, and Homewood-Flossmoor High School announced a closure due to storm damage.
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Tornado Warning Issued for Chicago Region Amid Severe Storms

Tornado Warning Issued for Chicago Region Amid Severe Storms

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado warning for the Chicago region, including Will, DuPage, Cook, and Lake counties, as severe thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy rainfall approach the area. The warning is in effect until mid-morning on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. A severe thunderstorm watch is also active until 2 p.m. across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. Meteorologist Kevin Donofrio from the NWS Chicago station reported that the storm system, originating from the Mississippi River, is expected to bring wind speeds of 70-80 mph, comparable to those of a tornado. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued ground stops for both O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, with restrictions in place until 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively.
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Severe storms with 99 mph winds and tornadoes hit Chicago area, leaving 250,000 without power

Severe storms with 99 mph winds and tornadoes hit Chicago area, leaving 250,000 without power

On August 11, 2026, a fast-moving storm swept through the Chicago area, bringing winds of up to 99 mph and spawning three confirmed tornadoes. The National Weather Service reported tornadoes with gusts between 86 and 110 mph in southern Cook County, eastern Will County, and Mokena. The storm caused widespread damage, including downed trees, power outages, and structural damage across the region. Approximately 357,000 ComEd customers initially lost power, with outages reduced to 250,000 by the afternoon. Northwest Indiana also faced significant impacts, with 301,000 Nipsco customers without electricity. Air travel was disrupted, with nearly 300 flights canceled at O’Hare Airport. The storm follows an already active tornado season in Illinois, with seven tornadoes confirmed in the area just weeks prior.
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Severe weather pounds Illinois and Indiana, knocking out power as tornado sirens blare

Severe weather pounds Illinois and Indiana, knocking out power as tornado sirens blare

Severe weather has cut power to over half a million people in the Chicago area, Indiana and Ohio
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Severe weather knocks out power in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio as 'ring of fire' strikes Midwest

Severe weather knocks out power in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio as 'ring of fire' strikes Midwest

Severe weather has cut power to over half a million people in the Chicago area, Indiana and Ohio
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Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Chicago Six Years After Derecho

Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Chicago Six Years After Derecho

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the potential for severe weather in the Midwest, particularly in Chicago, on Tuesday. This comes just two days after two EF-1 tornadoes struck LaSalle County, Illinois, causing significant damage. The concern is heightened as this week marks the six-year anniversary of the devastating 2010 Chicago derecho, which caused widespread destruction across the region. The possibility of another derecho—a widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with a band of rapidly moving thunderstorms—has raised alarms among residents and officials. The National Weather Service is urging vigilance as conditions may align for severe storms, including damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
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Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Warnings and Destructive Winds Threaten Chicago Area

Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Warnings and Destructive Winds Threaten Chicago Area

The Chicago area is under a severe weather alert as a line of intense storms is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning effective until 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, urging residents to seek shelter. The storms are capable of producing winds over 75 mph, with reports of potential tornadoes in the southwest suburbs and northwest Indiana. This weather event follows a particularly rainy summer, with Midway Airport recording over 20 inches of rain since June 1. The storms are expected to clear by the afternoon, but more severe weather is anticipated in the coming days.
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Destructive Storms Hit Chicago Area with 100 mph Winds

Destructive Storms Hit Chicago Area with 100 mph Winds

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, a severe squall line swept through the Chicago area, bringing destructive winds measured at over 100 mph, radar-indicated tornadoes, and widespread damage. The National Weather Service issued alerts warning of extensive straight-line wind damage. The storms began just before 10 a.m. and dissipated by 12 p.m., leaving behind downed trees, power outages, and blocked roads. Areas such as Oakbrook Terrace, Homewood, and downtown Chicago experienced significant impacts, including shelter-in-place advisories for high-rise occupants and Navy Pier visitors. Emergency crews across affected suburbs worked to address hazards and restore safety.
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Severe Weather Threat: Damaging Winds, Hail, and Possible Tornadoes in Chicago Area

Severe Weather Threat: Damaging Winds, Hail, and Possible Tornadoes in Chicago Area

The Chicago area is bracing for another round of severe weather starting Monday afternoon and continuing into early Tuesday morning. According to NBC Chicago, the region faces threats of damaging winds, hail, and potentially tornadoes. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in Illinois, including Cook, DuPage, and Will, as well as parts of Indiana, until 1 a.m. Tuesday. A severe thunderstorm warning is also in effect for east-central LaPorte County, where wind gusts exceeding 60 mph have been reported. Storms are expected to begin around 3 p.m. Monday and persist through 5 a.m. Tuesday, with heavy downpours, lightning, and flash flooding also possible.
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Flood Advisories Issued in Chicago Area Amid Heavy Rainfall Causing Roadway Flooding

Flood Advisories Issued in Chicago Area Amid Heavy Rainfall Causing Roadway Flooding

The National Weather Service has issued flood advisories for parts of McHenry, Lake, DuPage, and Cook counties in the Chicago area due to heavy rainfall. Rainfall rates have reached nearly 1.5 inches per hour, leading to significant street flooding and stranded vehicles in areas such as Itasca and Addison. The advisories are expected to remain in effect through the afternoon, with flooding imminent in several low-lying locations. The heavy rain is part of a series of thunderstorms sweeping through the region, with more expected later in the day.
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Severe Weather Causes Flooding and Power Outages in Chicago Area

Severe Weather Causes Flooding and Power Outages in Chicago Area

The Chicago area experienced multiple rounds of severe weather, leading to significant flooding and power outages. A Flood Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Watch were issued for several counties in Illinois and Indiana. The storms brought heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, causing widespread flooding and power outages affecting thousands of customers. The severe weather also led to delays at O'Hare and Midway airports and postponed a Chicago White Sox game. Emergency services responded to incidents, including rescuing individuals trapped by floodwaters.
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Chicago Area Amid Storm Threats

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Chicago Area Amid Storm Threats

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for multiple counties in the Chicago area, with storms expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, damaging hail, and a non-zero tornado risk. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported a confirmed tornado touchdown in southwestern Kankakee County, with debris signatures observed on Doppler radar. The storm system is moving eastward at 30 mph, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and nickel-sized hail. A tornado warning remains in effect for southwestern Kankakee County until 1:15 a.m., while a severe thunderstorm warning is active for southern Grundy and southwestern Kankakee counties until 1:45 a.m. The entire Chicago area is under a 'slight' risk of severe weather, the second level on the Storm Prediction Center's five-tier scale. Flood advisories have also been issued following multiple rounds of storms. (Source time: 2026-08-09T09:53:36+00:00)