Science & Nature
Powerful Storms, Tornado Threat Set To Deliver Second Punch to Chicago Region on Thursday
A shattered catalpa limb brought down utility lines on June 10, 2026 in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
Powerful winds brought down trees and led to widespread power outages Wednesday, with a second round of severe weather, including the threat of tornadoes, expected Thursday.
As of early Thursday morning, ComEd crews were still working to restore power to nearly 75,000 customers in Chicago, with South Side neighborhoods the hardest hit, including Mount Greenwood, South Shore, West Pullman, Beverly and Chatham.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation received 5,272 tree emergency requests due to the storm, according to Ryan Gage, department spokesman.
“Forestry crews are out citywide today clearing debris and making sure roads are passable. Residents should take caution around downed trees, and if they have or see one, report it to 311 by using the CHI311 app or visiting 311.Chicago.gov,” Gage said.
(National Weather Service)
The National Weather Service is tracking two rounds of severe weather Thursday. The first system is expected to hit the metro region between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will deliver damaging winds and hail.
A second wave will follow, between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., with a threat for strong tornadoes along and north of I-88, depending on where a warm front stalls, the weather service said.
The weather service advises people to have multiple ways to receive alerts and to immediately take cover if a tornado warning is issued. Basements or an interior room without windows are the best options short of an actual tornado shelter.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
