Severe Weather Causes Power Outages and Damage Across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio
Severe thunderstorms and extreme wind gusts swept through Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio on Tuesday, causing widespread power outages and significant damage. Over 600,000 customers lost electricity in Illinois and Indiana, while Ohio reported at least 290,000 outages. The National Weather Service indicated the system likely qualified as a derecho, characterized by prolonged straight-line winds and heavy rainfall. Wind gusts reached up to 99 mph (159 kph) in Gary, Indiana, with numerous reports of gusts exceeding 80 mph (128 kph). Flooding, damaged homes, and uprooted trees were reported across the affected areas. Flights were temporarily halted at Chicago’s major airports, and Ohio’s capital region experienced severe disruptions, including one fatality due to flood-related delays in emergency response.