Chicago weather today: Strong storms bring wind damage, cause power outages, O’Hare ground stop and flight delays

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mother nature showed its power on Monday, as the Chicago area was under a Level 2 risk for severe weather.

A likely century-old tree took out a South Side house, and powerful winds caused a lot of damage as storms rolled through the area.

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On the Northwest Side, a tree hit a house on Olcott, and damage was widespread.

It was a similar scene in Andersonville as a fallen tree caused damage at Olive and Glenwood, crashing onto a fence and a car.

Further east in Rogers Park, the storm knocked down more vulnerable trees.

Over in northwest Indiana, infrastructure was toppled, including utility poles in St. John, where downed wires created hazards with vehicles, and the high winds, some 60-70 mph, lifted a roof from Hanover Middle School.

There was extensive damage in Hobart as well.

NIPSCO said 46,400 customers are without power in northwest Indiana on Monday night.

Wheaton officials said some areas there were also experiencing power outages, and crews responded to several reports of downed trees and power lines from the strong winds.

The storms have also impacted travel in the area.

There is a Ground Stop for departures to Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to thunderstorms until 9:45 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said. There is a 30-60% chance of extension.

There is also Ground Delay for departures to O’Hare until about 3 a.m. Tuesday. Delays are averaging 210 minutes.

Departures from O’Hare are delayed an average of 60 minutes and increasing.

As of 9:16 p.m. Monday, 397 flights have been canceled at O’Hare. Just 12 flights have been canceled at Chicago Midway International Airport, with delays averaging 57 minutes.

Meanwhile, the streets are empty in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood on Monday night as people huddle inside, waiting for the spring storms to pass.

Active weather alerts

There is a Flood Warning for Kane and Kendall counties until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

There is a Flood Warning for McHenry County until 1 p.m. Thursday.

There is a Flood Watch until 7 p.m. Saturday for LaSalle County.

There is a Flood Warning for Lake (Illinois) and Kenosha counties until 7 a.m. Sunday.

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