HAZEL CREST, Ill. (WLS) — On Monday, the National Weather Service confirmed that at least four tornadoes swept through the Chicago area, leaving a significant mark on several communities.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Survey teams from the NWS identified EF-1 tornado damage in several locations, including Lansing, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Harvey, and Homewood, emphasizing the tornadoes’ impact.
In Lansing, the tornado reportedly dissipated just east of the Illinois-Indiana border in Munster, with the storm reaching peak winds of approximately 110 mph, according to NWS.
Additionally, the NWS confirmed the occurrence of EF-0 tornadoes in both Glen Ellyn and Orland Park during this turbulent weather event.
The tornado in Glen Ellyn was noted for producing peak winds that reached up to 80 mph, showcasing the storm’s power in that area.
Crews additionally confirmed straight-line winds over 70 mph in Carol Stream and Downers Grove, where a contractor was found dead on Tuesday evening after going missing in a storm sewer as severe weather hit the area on Monday, officials said.
NWS investigated video footage showing a possible tornado touchdown near Watseka, Illinois in Iroquois County. NWS was unable to confirm contact with the ground, so it is being categorized as a funnel cloud.
Surveyors remained in the field on Tuesday afternoon. They are looking at damage in several areas, including Glenwood and Markham, and it may take some time to complete those surveys.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people lost power during the storms.
Track power outages in your area with the ABC7 Chicago Power Outage Tracker
A ComEd spokesperson said crews were working extended hours and expected to restore power to about 80% of affected customers by the end of the night.
Across the south suburbs, homes and buildings sustained significant damage. At a University Park apartment building, part of the roof was torn away by the storm.
The damage left residents displaced in communities, including Homewood, Lansing, and Hazel Crest.
Shelter opens as storms knock out power for south suburban residents
A community center in Steger has been transformed into a Red Cross shelter for residents across the south suburbs affected by damaging storms that left many displaced or without electricity for hours.
As communities worked to recover, local organizations, volunteers and businesses stepped in to provide assistance to those impacted by Monday’s storms.
Crews with E