Story perspectives

Chicago Faces Level-4 Tornado Risk; 240k Lose Power

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Storm Prediction Center raised Chicago to a Level 4 severe weather risk, the first since July 2024.
The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in ten spots across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, sparking warnings and power outages for hundreds of thousands.
Commonwealth Edison reported over 240,000 customers without power and aims to restore 80% by June 13.
Ground stops at O'Hare and Midway caused more than 1,000 flight delays and cancellations Thursday.

History

Historical Context

The April 3-4 1974 Super Outbreak produced 148 tornadoes, 30 violent F4/F5 twisters and 319 deaths across the Midwest, crippling Chicago’s power grid and grounding flights at O’Hare and Midway. Today’s Level 4 severe-weather risk for Chicago echoes that event, prompting similar utility outages and airport ground stops in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

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Story summary

The Storm Prediction Center raised Chicago to a Level 4 severe weather risk, the first since July 2024.
The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in ten spots across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, sparking warnings and power outages for hundreds of thousands.
Commonwealth Edison reported over 240,000 customers without power and aims to restore 80% by June 13.
Ground stops at O'Hare and Midway caused more than 1,000 flight delays and cancellations Thursday.

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