Thank You Volunteers and Residents for Your Support!

Today was a busy day, and we couldn't have done it without the incredible support of our volunteers. Your help with the damage assessment was invaluable! 🙌

A special thanks to the residents for sharing your stories. Your input is crucial, and we're grateful for your cooperation and resilience. 💪

We'll be around throughout the weekend, so you'll see us in the community. If you'd prefer to submit your own assessment, you are more than welcome to do so! Visit Will County EMA this Saturday, July 20, 2024, to share your insights and help us make a difference.

NBC Update: 22 Confirmed Tornadoes from Monday Alone Tying the Daily Record

Breaking News: Storm Damage in Illinois and Surrounding Areas

July 16, 2024 - Following severe storms over the past two nights, the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Chicago and surrounding areas are actively supporting the BWS Chicago office in conducting damage surveys. These surveys are expected to take several days to complete.

Power outages are widespread, and reports indicate that some neighborhoods may not have power restored until Friday at the latest. Our Breaking News team at TNW News is closely monitoring the situation, but thankfully, the NWS forecasts no more severe weather this week, providing a good window for cleanup efforts.

The storms have been particularly devastating in Illinois and surrounding Aurora counties. The Kane County Emergency Management Agency described last night’s events as a tornado outbreak, causing significant damage. This morning, they released a statement detailing the impact and ongoing response efforts.

Tornado Count Update

The National Weather Service has confirmed that at least 19 tornadoes touched down in the Chicagoland area, including at Chicago O'Hare Airport. This information comes as part of the ongoing damage assessment and adds to the severity of the storm's impact. Tornadoes were confirmed in Cicero, Huntley, Elgin, Barrington, Long Grove, Des Plaines, Glendale Heights, Streamwood, and at O'Hare International Airport. Among these, the Elgin tornado was an EF-1 with maximum winds of 100 mph, while others ranged from EF-0 to EF-1.

Interstate 55 Reopened

In a significant development, Interstate 55 near Channahon has reopened this morning following its closure earlier this week due to storm damage. This reopening is a crucial step in restoring normalcy to the affected areas.

Stay Informed with TNW News

For the latest updates, stay tuned to TNW News. Follow us on our social media accounts and visit our website, tnwweather.com, for real-time information.

We extend our gratitude to the NBC Chicago web team, CBS Chicago weather team, and WGN News for their collaboration in keeping the community informed and safe during this crisis. Special thanks to our Breaking News team, who provided stellar coverage under challenging conditions.

Operations Manager Todd Nardone, acting as the meteorologist on duty last night, kept the community informed through Facebook updates despite the challenges. The TNW Weather Center was evacuated at the height of the storm, but our commitment to delivering trustworthy, local, and national weather news remains unwavering.

Our website experienced technical issues until 10 PM last night, limiting our ability to update the public. We will address these challenges to ensure better access during future emergencies.

Key Takeaways

• Tornado Count: At least 19 tornadoes confirmed in the Chicagoland area.
• Damage Surveys: NWS Chicago and surrounding offices are conducting damage surveys.
• Power Outages: Restoration efforts are ongoing, with some areas expected to have power by Friday.
• Weather Forecast: No severe weather is expected this week, aiding cleanup efforts.
• Interstate 55: Reopened near Channahon after storm damage closure.
• Stay Updated: Follow TNW News on social media and tnwweather.com for continuous updates.

Thank you for trusting TNW News to keep you informed. We are dedicated to providing reliable weather news and updates day and night, ensuring our community's safety and preparedness.

Tornado Update from Sunday and Monday (Friday, July 19)

Residents of the Chicago area are continuing to clean up after the storms that caused widespread damage earlier this week. The NWS has confirmed at least 11 tornadoes touched down, including at Chicago O'Hare Airport.

Significant damage was reported in Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Countryside, and Elgin. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with power restoration and debris removal as top priorities.

Communities are showing resilience, with neighbors helping each other through the aftermath. The sense of community and relief that no major injuries were reported is strong, as residents work together to rebuild and recover.

Continued Damage Assessments for the July 15th Derecho (7:48 PM CDT Thursday, July 18)

Good evening! Here is a summary of our findings from today for our continued damage assessments for the July 15th derecho:

• EF-0 tornado confirmed from Glen Ellyn to Lombard
• EF-0 tornado confirmed in Villa Park
• EF-1 tornado confirmed near Grant Park
• Cedar Lake to Crown Point tornado track extended through Valparaiso
• Preliminary tracks determined for the previously confirmed southern Winnebago County, Manteno, and Peotone tornadoes
• Strong straight-line winds confirmed in Hanover Park, Bartlett, Lansing, and the remainder of southern Winnebago County

This brings our current tornado count for the July 15th derecho event up to 22 (tied for the daily record in our forecast area), and brings the July 14-15 2-day total up to 28. There will be more to come as we continue our analysis of these events. We thank you for your continued patience.

The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday that three additional tornadoes touched down in the Chicago area during Monday night's storms. The tornado total from the storms Sunday and Monday night is growing—with even more surveying under way.

The National Weather Service has now confirmed 18 tornadoes in Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana between the storms Sunday and Monday night.

One of those 18 tornadoes cut a path through North Aurora. The tornado, which spun up in Sugar Grove, was an EF-0—the lowest ranking on the Enhanced Fujita Scale with 3-second gusts of 65 to 85 mph.

Nonetheless, it was the worst damage a team with decades of experience had ever seen. The team hit the streets in North Aurora after midnight Monday night, and were putting in overtime Wednesday.

The public works crew started at 7 a.m. and made multiple stops. They followed the same path as a now-confirmed EF-0 tornado Monday night.

Mary Evans of North Aurora said a 60-year-old sycamore tree came down on her home on the aptly-named Sycamore Lane. As of Wednesday, the tree was still lying on Evans' roof—having crushed the beams underneath