Story perspectives

Derecho batters Chicago, knocks out power, spawns tornadoes

8/14/2026

Summary

Derecho Ravages Chicago

A derecho swept Chicago on Tuesday, spawning six tornadoes that damaged homes and knocked out power.
One person died in a house explosion in northwest Indiana as the storm passed.
ComEd executive vice president David Perez said nearly 3,000 crews are assessing damage while many remain without power.
NIPSCO expects 90% of customers to have power back by next Tuesday, with Indiana Governor Mike Braun declaring a disaster emergency.

Summary

Illinois Storm Threat

The National Weather Service warned that northern Illinois could see 80 mph wind gusts, large hail and brief tornadoes as a line of thunderstorms sweeps the area Tuesday.
The Storm Prediction Center placed the region under an enhanced Level 3 of 5 severe-weather risk, while heavy rain dumped 3-5 inches in Chicago, raising flash-flood concerns.
Residents were urged to monitor warnings and seek shelter quickly if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued.

History

Historical Context

On June 1998 a Midwest derecho ripped through Chicago, blowing trees, shattering windows and leaving millions without power; ComEd estimated $500 million in damage and wind gusts topped 80 mph. Governor Jim Edgar’s emergency declaration then set a statewide rapid-response precedent, a framework echoed in today’s Level 3 SPC risk and NIPSCO’s restoration plan.

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Derecho Ravages Chicago

A derecho swept Chicago on Tuesday, spawning six tornadoes that damaged homes and knocked out power.
One person died in a house explosion in northwest Indiana as the storm passed.
ComEd executive vice president David Perez said nearly 3,000 crews are assessing damage while many remain without power.
NIPSCO expects 90% of customers to have power back by next Tuesday, with Indiana Governor Mike Braun declaring a disaster emergency.

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