Severe storms halt Chicago flights and plunge Illinois-Indiana region into darkness
Tornado warnings and 80 mph gusts forced the closure of Chicago’s two major airports and left more than half a million customers without power in Illinois and Indiana.
The storm system triggered tornado alerts and wind speeds over 80 mph, toppling trees across the Chicago area and northwestern Indiana. By late morning, all departures at O’Hare and Midway were cancelled. Power outages affected over 575,000 customers, with Lake County, Indiana, hit hardest. The National Weather Service warned that the storms were dangerous.
Why it matters
The storm disrupted travel and electricity for hundreds of thousands, affecting commuters, businesses and emergency services.
In this story
severe weatherpower outageflight cancellationstornado warningwind gustsChicago airportsLake County