Chicago and its surrounding areas were under a tornado warning on Tuesday night, as severe storms brought damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes to the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the warning for Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, until 5 a.m. EST, and advised residents to seek shelter if they heard thunder or saw lightning.
The storms were a result of a cold front hitting the area after an unseasonably warm day that reached 71 degrees in Chicago, nearly breaking the record for the warmest February day in history. The weather service recorded the west winds to be at “20 to 30 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH”.
The severe weather caused widespread damage and disruption to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the area. Several Metra trains were delayed or stopped due to downed trees, power lines, and tornado warnings.
Some warehouses at O’Hare International Airport were also damaged by the storm. The airport experienced a ground stop and traffic management, affecting hundreds of flights.
According to CBS News, the Grand Blanc Township Fire Department in Michigan reported that a tornado struck the area around 1:20 a.m local time. No injuries or fatalities were reported, but many residents were left without power and water.
The NWS has cautioned that the city could still see some swings in weather conditions, as spring is often a transitional and volatile season.
