orywireNews that matters globallyReporting on public life and major developments across the U.S., the UK, and beyond.
orywireSeveral tornadoes occurred across northern and central Illinois and northwest Indiana on June 11, according to the National Weather Service. The most notable damage reports include Streator, Merrillville and Hebron, while final tornado tracks and ratings remain under survey.
Chicago tornado damage reports after Thursday’s severe storms extend across parts of northern and central Illinois and northwest Indiana, with the National Weather Service (NWS) saying several tornadoes occurred and surveys still needed to determine final tracks, ratings and counts. The most notable damage areas identified so far include Streator, Illinois; Merrillville, Indiana; and Hebron, Indiana.
Residents in damaged neighborhoods should avoid downed wires, stay out of unstable buildings and check local emergency and utility updates before beginning cleanup.
NWS Chicago said notable tornado damage occurred in and near Streator, Merrillville and Hebron. Preliminary Storm Prediction Center (SPC) reports also logged tornado sightings or damage reports around Ancona, Streator, Ransom, Dwight and Reddick in Illinois, and around Hebron, Kouts and Wanatah in Indiana.
In Streator, preliminary reports included damage to structures on the south side of town. The Associated Press reported that emergency crews were inspecting damage Friday and that a reunification center and Red Cross shelter were opened for residents. Streator’s mayor said there were no reported deaths, according to AP.
In northwest Indiana, damage was reported in Merrillville and the Hebron area after storms moved across Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. AP reported that homes and other buildings were damaged in Merrillville, trees and power lines blocked streets and part of a high school roof was ripped off. The SPC also listed a confirmed touchdown via emergency management near Wanatah.
NWS Chicago’s event page says several tornadoes occurred during the late afternoon and evening of June 11 across northern and central Illinois and northwest Indiana. The agency said some tornadoes were strong, but it had not yet posted a final tornado count, track list or Enhanced Fujita scale ratings in the accessible update checked Friday morning.
The page says damage surveys will continue over the coming days. That means some locations now listed as reported or possible tornado damage may later be confirmed as tornado tracks, straight-line wind damage or a mix of both.
The agency also noted strong straight-line wind damage in parts of the Chicago metro and farther south, along with flooding from heavy rainfall in parts of far northern Illinois.
Not all storm damage near Chicago has been classified as tornado damage. ABC7 Chicago reported that NWS survey teams were expected to review damage in Streator, Naperville, Bartlett and northwest Indiana on Friday.
Preliminary SPC reports included possible tornado damage near Bartlett, where photos showed tree and structural damage near Illinois Route 59 and Stearns Road. Other severe wind reports included estimated 60 to 70 mph winds southwest of downtown Naperville and an 85 mph wind report near Oak Lawn.
Those reports are preliminary. Final survey findings may change the list of confirmed tornadoes and may separate tornado tracks from thunderstorm wind damage.
Power restoration remained a major issue Friday morning. NIPSCO said at 7 a.m. CT that more than 71,400 customers were without power because of severe weather and tornadoes from Thursday night’s storm. The utility said it could not yet estimate when all customers would be restored.
For current address-level updates, ComEd and NIPSCO customers should use their utility outage maps or outage reporting tools. NIPSCO said its map is updated every 10 minutes and can be searched by city, ZIP code or map pin.
ABC7 Chicago reported early Friday that South Shore Line service was disrupted between South Bend and Michigan City, with service operating between Michigan City and Randolph Street Station. Riders should check the rail line’s service alerts before traveling.
The most urgent safety issue is downed electrical equipment. NIPSCO said every downed wire should be treated as live, even if it is not sparking or burning.
The National Weather Service also advises people walking through storm damage to wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves. Stay out of damaged buildings until local officials or qualified professionals say they are safe.
Watch for broken glass, exposed nails, unstable trees and damaged utility connections. Report downed wires and blocked roads to local authorities or the utility. The NWS also warns residents to be alert for insurance scammers after property damage.
The next meaningful updates are expected from NWS survey teams. Their findings will determine how many tornadoes touched down, how long each track was and what Enhanced Fujita scale rating each tornado receives.
Utility restoration estimates, shelter locations and road closures can change quickly as crews reach damaged neighborhoods. Check official local and utility updates before traveling into affected areas.
