Severe Storm Causes Widespread Damage in Chicago Area
Chicago (WLS) — Sunday night’s storm wreaked havoc in the Chicago area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. When the storm first hit Oak Brook, strong winds and heavy downpours battered the area, causing chaos and devastation.
Damage Assessment After the Storm
As the storm passed through the region, the extent of the damage became apparent. The streets of Oak Brook were left flooded, making it challenging for residents to navigate. Large tree branches littered the city streets, while light poles lay in ruins.
Near Austin and Gage Park, the aftermath of the storm was particularly severe. Trees were uprooted, crashing down on parked cars and causing significant damage. In one instance, a massive tree leaned against a house on Barry Avenue and Newcastle Avenue, tearing through the siding and leaving a path of destruction.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Devastating Storm
Residents of the Belmont Cragin neighborhood, such as Jose Rodriguez, were taken by surprise by the sudden intensity of the storm. Rodriguez recalled, “It came out of nowhere. It was quick, less than a minute. I’ve never experienced anything like this. It was crazy.”
At Midway Airport, the impact of the storm was felt as winds forcibly pushed a Southwest Airlines plane into an aerobridge, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
Despite the destruction left in the storm’s wake, communities in the Chicago area came together to support one another and begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
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