Surviving the Tornado: A Terrifying Ordeal
When Jennifer Sternal of Channahon found herself driving through dangerous storms on Interstate 55, she had no idea the harrowing experience that awaited her. As an EF-2 tornado struck, she was left stranded on the interstate, surrounded by chaos. “I was really scared when I realized I was trapped behind these power lines with nowhere to go and the storm was rocking my car back and forth,” Sternar said. Her ordeal lasted for over five hours, with downed power lines and debris blocking her way. It felt like something out of a movie, with sirens blaring and the wind and rain intensifying. Sternar’s quick thinking and resilience helped her survive the storm and make it home safely, despite the challenges she faced.
Reopening and Recovery: Power Outage Continues
As ComEd crews worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore power, residents in the area continued to deal with the aftermath of the storm. Thornton resident Bill Somme, 81, shared his struggles of enduring the power outage without a generator. Despite the challenges, he remained resilient, finding ways to cope with the situation. The Red Cross stepped in to provide assistance, distributing food to storm victims in Joliet. With over 18,000 customers still without power in the area, the community came together to support each other during this trying time.
Multiple Tornadoes Hit Chicago Area: Unprecedented Events
The National Weather Service confirmed that at least 19 tornadoes struck the Chicago area on Monday night, with additional tornadoes hitting the city on Sunday. This unprecedented series of tornadoes left a trail of destruction, from Channahon to Matteson and beyond. Residents were shocked by the ferocity of the storms, as multiple tornadoes touched down within Chicago’s city limits on consecutive days. With each tornado leaving its mark on the landscape, the community rallied together to support one another and begin the process of rebuilding and recovery.
