TNW News: Thousands Without Power Across Chicagoland

Severe storms knock out electricity as ComEd crews work around the clock

📍 Chicagoland, IL — Wednesday, July 16, 2025
A powerful severe weather outbreak swept through the Chicago area this afternoon, knocking out power to over 300,000 ComEd customers. The storms brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and tornado warnings, leaving widespread outages and damage across the region.

ComEd launched emergency response efforts, deploying crews to hard-hit areas including Joliet, Schaumburg, and Naperville. Downed trees, broken poles, and live wires are slowing restoration work.

“Multiple live wires and burning transformers have complicated the response,” said ComEd COO David Perez. “Safety is our top priority as crews work to restore power quickly and safely.”

At the peak, more than 300,000 homes and businesses lost electricity. ComEd expects 50% to be restored by tonight, with full service not expected until Friday in some areas.

⚠️ Impacted Areas:

• Cook County
• DuPage County
• Will County
• Lake County
• Kane County

Storms also caused road closures, flight delays, and scattered injuries from debris and lightning.

✅ What You Should Do:

🔌 Report outages and hazards:
Call 1‑800‑334‑7661 or visit comed.com

🚫 Avoid downed wires:
Stay back 30 feet. Assume all are live.

🧯 Use generators safely:
Only outdoors and away from windows.

👵 Check on neighbors:
Especially elderly or medically vulnerable residents.

🌐 For updates, visit tnwweather.com or follow @TNWWeather on social media.

📸 Outage Graphic Available:
View the latest TNW infographic showing impacted zones and safety tips at TNWWeather.com.

📱 Share photos and updates with #TNWPowerAlert on X or Threads.

Stay with TNW News for continuing coverage as power restoration progresses across Chicagoland.

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