Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Flash Floods and Power Outages in Chicago Area

Severe Thunderstorms Cause Flash Floods and Power Outages in Chicago Area

Severe thunderstorms have swept through the Chicago area, causing flash floods and extensive power outages. The storms prompted tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm watches, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain reported. Over 281,000 ComEd customers in Illinois and 27,000 Nipsco customers in Northwest Indiana experienced power outages. The storms caused significant damage, including downed trees and power lines, and disrupted public transportation. Emergency services are responding to incidents, including rescuing workers trapped in storm sewers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Weather in Wisconsin and Illinois Causes Destruction and Power Outages

Severe Weather in Wisconsin and Illinois Causes Destruction and Power Outages

A tornado struck Wisconsin, causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, and leaving over 30,000 people without power. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado in Winnebago County, with significant damage reported in Appleton and Menasha. In Illinois, severe storms resulted in downed trees and damaged homes and cars. Emergency services are assessing the damage, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Weather in Chicago: Storms Cause Power Outages and Damage

Severe Weather in Chicago: Storms Cause Power Outages and Damage

Severe storms swept through the Chicago area, causing tornado warnings, power outages, and flight cancellations. The storms brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, leading to downed trees and power lines. Nearly 300,000 ComEd customers were without power, and significant delays were reported at O'Hare and Midway airports. The weather also prompted the closure of some public offices and disruptions to public transportation. The region remains under heat advisories and flood warnings.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Storms Cause Flooding in Summit, Illinois, Disrupting Local Infrastructure

Severe Storms Cause Flooding in Summit, Illinois, Disrupting Local Infrastructure

In Summit, Illinois, a suburb located southwest of Chicago near Bedford Park, severe storms have led to significant flooding. The sudden and intense downpour resulted in entire roads and sidewalks being submerged under water. This unexpected weather event has caused disruptions in local transportation and could potentially impact daily activities for residents in the area.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Convective Storms Overtake Hurricanes as Top Weather Risk for U.S. Homeowners

Severe Convective Storms Overtake Hurricanes as Top Weather Risk for U.S. Homeowners

Recent research by climate risk modeling firm First Street indicates that severe convective storms (SCS), including tornadoes, hail, and powerful winds, now pose a greater threat to homeowners than hurricanes and other extreme weather events. In 2025, insurance payouts from SCS surpassed those from cyclones, making them the costliest insured natural disasters globally. The U.S. is particularly affected, with $68 billion of the $82 billion in global SCS losses occurring domestically. The Midwest and northern Texas are experiencing faster increases in insurance costs due to the prevalence of these storms. Illinois and Ohio are identified as particularly vulnerable due to their urban areas and valuable real estate. As these storms become more frequent, homeowners may face higher insurance premiums.
USA Today USA Today
Chicago faces dangerous combo of heat, tornado risk and flash flooding

Chicago faces dangerous combo of heat, tornado risk and flash flooding

Chicago faces extreme heat, 70 mph winds, golf-ball hail and flash flooding as an omega block and corn sweat fuel strong storms from late morning into evening
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Xcel Energy Faces Power Outages in Wisconsin Due to Severe Storms

Xcel Energy Faces Power Outages in Wisconsin Due to Severe Storms

Severe storms in the Northwoods region of Wisconsin have caused significant power outages, affecting thousands of customers of Wisconsin Public Service and Xcel Energy. As of 5 p.m. on Monday, approximately 1,100 customers in Oneida County and about 3,800 in Vilas County were still without power. The outages began on Monday morning, with more than 5,000 outages reported in Oneida County alone. Crews are actively working to restore power, but a specific timeline for full restoration has not been provided. The area is experiencing a First Alert Weather Day, with two rounds of potentially severe weather expected to continue throughout the day.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
We Energies Crews Work to Restore Power After Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage in Wisconsin

We Energies Crews Work to Restore Power After Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage in Wisconsin

We Energies crews are actively working to restore power to customers across Wisconsin following severe storms and tornadoes that caused significant damage. The storms, which began on July 27, 2026, brought high winds and tornadoes that knocked down trees, damaged utility poles, and brought down electric lines, leading to widespread outages. In the Fox Valley, a tornado caused catastrophic damage, resulting in multiple natural gas emergencies. Significant damage was also reported in Kenosha and Milwaukee counties. Crews have restored power to over 44,000 customers, with efforts continuing to restore service to the remaining affected areas. The company expects 90% of storm-impacted electric customers to have power restored by Tuesday night, although some of the hardest-hit areas may take longer due to the extent of the damage.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Rescue Efforts Underway for Trapped Contractors in Downers Grove Storm Drain

Rescue Efforts Underway for Trapped Contractors in Downers Grove Storm Drain

In Downers Grove, Illinois, rescue teams are working to locate and save contractors trapped in a storm drain following intense storms. The incident occurred in a construction area on Curtiss Street, where two contractors became trapped. One worker has been rescued and transported to a hospital in good condition, while efforts continue to locate the second worker. The rescue operation has transitioned to a recovery mission due to dangerous water conditions in the sewer.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Chicago Braces for More Severe Storms Amid Ongoing Weather Warnings

Chicago Braces for More Severe Storms Amid Ongoing Weather Warnings

The Chicago area is under severe weather warnings as strong thunderstorms continue to impact the region. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for several counties, including Lake, DuPage, Cook, Will, and Kankakee in Illinois, as well as northwest Indiana. Wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and golf ball-sized hail have been reported. The storms are expected to persist into the afternoon, with high temperatures and heat indices potentially exceeding 110 degrees.
1Weather 1Weather
Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Southeast Missouri and Surrounding Areas

Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Southeast Missouri and Surrounding Areas

An Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for southeast Missouri, southwest Illinois, and far western Kentucky, effective from 11 AM Sunday to 7 PM CDT Tuesday. Dangerously high temperatures with heat index values reaching up to 112°F are expected, posing risks of heat-related illnesses. The advisory covers areas west of a line from Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Murray, Kentucky. Residents are urged to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and seeking air-conditioned environments. The warning highlights the potential for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.