A deadly storm system sweeps across multiple states
Severe storms and more than a dozen tornadoes tore through the Midwest on Wednesday and Thursday, killing at least one person and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. A 54-year-old man died in Des Moines after a tree broke apart and fell on him during storms Wednesday at a homeless encampment in a park. Police found him critically injured Thursday morning, and he died at the scene.
Thursday's outbreak proved even more destructive, with approximately 11 cities across Illinois and Wisconsin reporting tornadoes as of Thursday evening, according to CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan. More than 120 million people were in the path of potentially dangerous storms during the multi-day threat.
Chicago area faces rare level 4 severe risk
The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center upgraded the Chicago area to a level 4 out of 5 on its severe risk scale before Thursday's outbreak, indicating widespread severe storms were likely. This marked the first time Chicago had seen a level 4 risk since July 15, 2024, when the area experienced a record tornado outbreak with 32 touchdowns. A level 4 risk is typically seen once every two years.
Wind gusts reached dangerous speeds across the region. Mason City, Illinois, recorded gusts of 75 miles per hour, while Morton and Washington, Illinois, each experienced 70 mph winds. Trees and utility wires were reported down across the region during both days of severe weather.
Streator and surrounding communities sustain major damage
The city of Streator, a manufacturing and farm community about 100 miles southwest of Chicago, confirmed a tornado tore through its area. Streator Mayor Tara Bedei said there were no reported deaths in the city. "We are incredibly grateful for the safety of our residents and the quick action of emergency personnel," she said in a statement.
Storm chaser and video journalist Scott Lasker was in Streator during the tornado outbreak and heard a woman screaming for help about 100 yards away. He ran to assist and found the woman's husband trapped in rubble, helping rescue him from the debris.
In Unionville, Missouri, a family's mobile home was obliterated by a tornado. Shane Tipton drove home from his factory job Wednesday afternoon unaware of the approaching severe weather. As he stepped out of his truck, he saw the twister bearing down and rushed to evacuate his 87-year-old father, Jimmie Tipton. They escaped in the truck and watched as the tornado destroyed their home, scattering shattered cabinets, furniture and appliances across miles. They lost one of their hunting dogs in the storm. "If my grandpa would have been in there, there's no way that he would be alive," his daughter Kylie Rouse told The Associated Press.
Power outages and flight disruptions spread across region
Commonwealth Edison Company, which provides electric service across northern Illinois, reported that storms had downed poles and wires. According to utility tracker PowerOutage.us, more than 221,000 customers were without power in Illinois as of Friday morning. Commonwealth Edison expected 80 percent restoration by Saturday at 11 p.m.
Severe weather both Wednesday and Thursday forced ground stops at Chicago's O'Hare International and Midway International airports. More than 1,000 flights going into and out of Chicago had been delayed or canceled, according to FlightAware. Strong storms also delayed or halted flights at airports in Philadelphia, New York City and Newark, New Jersey.
Animal shelter and other facilities damaged
Two buildings at the Animal Protective League shelter in Springfield, Illinois, were heavily damaged by a tornado late Wednesday, but none of the nearly 150 cats and 28 dogs housed there were injured. Deana Corbin, the group's executive director, said the tornado "pretty much wiped out our shelter facility, took the roofs off both of our buildings." The community responded by temporarily taking in all the animals, including a local animal control center, veterinarians and residents.
Damage was also reported at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield. Survey crews will be deployed across the affected area to assess the full extent of damage, which officials said could take several days to complete.
