Discover the havoc wreaked by a confirmed storm in Chicago, as passengers are forced to seek shelter and hundreds of flights face disruption. Get the latest updates, eyewitness accounts, and impact on the city.
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A powerful storm struck Chicago on Wednesday evening, near the O’Hare International Airport, causing passengers to take shelter and disrupting numerous flights. The immediate extent of injuries is yet to be reported.
Confirmation of the Storm:
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a verified storm touched down near the city around 7 PM. The twister was observed intermittently touching the ground and moving eastward, with additional rotations south of O’Hare’s runway. Residents in the warned area were advised to seek shelter immediately.
Current Weather Situation:
As of 8 PM, the weather service announced that the immediate threat of a tornado in the Chicago area had subsided. However, the storm continued to advance eastward, where tornado warnings remained in effect.
Impact on O’Hare Airport:
Videos from television stations depicted crowds seeking refuge inside O’Hare’s terminal. According to FlightAware flight tracking service, nearly 169 flights were canceled, while approximately 500 experienced significant delays.
Warnings in Chicago:
The National Weather Service issued dual tornado warnings for certain parts of the city during Wednesday evening. Chicago residents were cautioned to take cover, wrap their buildings, and sound sirens, with at least two tornado sirens heard besides the usual warning sirens.
Eyewitness Account:
Lon Baker, a longtime Chicago resident, posted a video on Twitter, showing sirens blaring along the city’s famous skyline. He mentioned being in a 60-story apartment building, limiting his access. Baker anticipated that they might have to move to the center of the building for safety.
Local Media Coverage:
Local news agencies reported the storm extensively. Baker shared, “When you’re watching the TV screen, there’s a particular unease, and everything appears tinged with red… but the hope is for minimal damage.”
Damage in the Vicinity:
Local news sources reported damage to warehouses near O’Hare. The storm services mentioned an unconfirmed report from an emergency manager, stating that the roof of a building in Huntley’s community, located in McHenry County, had been blown off. A seasoned meteorologist reported fallen trees and damaged roofs in Cook County, where Chicago is situated.
Pre-Storm Warnings:
A day before Wednesday, the Storm Prediction Center had increased the risk of severe weather, including tornadoes, in the northern Illinois region, encompassing Chicago.
History of Storms in Chicago:
According to the National Weather Service records between 1855 and 2021, there have been 97 significant tornado events documented in the Chicago metropolitan area. The most devastating tornado occurred on April 21, 1967, in Palos Hills, Cook County. The twister traveled 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Oak Lawn to the south of Chicago, resulting in 33 fatalities, over 500 injuries, and more than 50 million dollars in damages.
Conclusion:
In the aftermath of the powerful storm that descended upon Chicago, the city is left grappling with the consequences of its fury. The chaos that ensued at O’Hare International Airport serves as a poignant reminder of the storm’s impact on the bustling metropolis. Passengers, caught off guard by the sudden tempest, sought refuge within the airport’s confines as the air travel industry faced a tumultuous period of cancellations and delays.
Amidst the havoc, local authorities and residents displayed unwavering resilience, diligently adhering to safety protocols to safeguard lives and minimize potential damage. The priority became ensuring the well-being of individuals stranded at the airport, providing them with the necessary support and assistance during this unforeseen crisis. Authorities worked tirelessly to manage the situation, offering guidance and coordinating efforts to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.
