Severe Storms Cause Tornadoes and Widespread Damage in Chicago Area
• The Chicago region experienced severe storms on July 27, 2026, with the National Weather Service confirming two tornadoes: an EF-1 in Lansing and an EF-0 in Glen Ellyn. The storms brought up to 4 inches of rain, tennis ball-sized hail, and winds reaching 80 mph in some areas. Significant damage was reported, including uprooted trees, destroyed roofs, and widespread power outages affecting over 320,000 customers at the peak. Emergency crews are working to clear debris and restore power, with 170,000 customers still without electricity as of July
• The storms also caused fatalities, including a contract worker in Downers Grove and a woman in Tinley Park. Communities across Chicagoland and northwest Indiana are assessing the damage and beginning recovery efforts.
Impact & Risks
The storms caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, leaving many residents displaced. Power outages disrupted daily life for hundreds of thousands, and transportation systems were temporarily halted. The severe weather also resulted in fatalities and injuries, highlighting the risks of extreme weather events. Areas like Rogers Park, Lansing, and Waukegan were particularly hard-hit, with reports of collapsed buildings and flooded basements. High waves along Lake Michigan beaches pose additional risks for swimmers.
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