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
US · Published Aug 12, 2026
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.

Impact & Risks

The storm caused significant disruptions across the Chicago area and northwest Indiana. Damage included downed trees, power lines, and structural destruction, particularly in Mokena, Tinley Park, and Homewood. Power outages affected hundreds of thousands, leaving many residents without electricity. Air travel was heavily impacted, with flight cancellations at O’Hare and Midway airports. In Portage Township, Indiana, schools were closed due to storm damage, and a suspected house explosion resulted in one fatality. The storm's intensity highlights the ongoing risks of severe weather in the region during this unsettled weather pattern.

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