LIVE: Illinois Tornadoes Confirmed; Chicago Braces for Severe Storms Tuesday
Chicago Area Braces for More Storms After Tornadoes Cause Damage
Quick Summary: Two tornadoes hit LaSalle County and one hit Lee County Sunday night into Monday. Cleanup is underway, but more severe storms are expected Tuesday with a higher risk level. Here’s what you need to know in simple terms.
What Happened Over the Weekend?
Sunday Night into Monday Morning
- Two rounds of storms rolled through the Chicago area
- Three tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS):
- Ransom, Illinois (LaSalle County) — EF1 tornado, 100 mph winds — knocked a freight train off its tracks
- North of Streator (LaSalle County) — EF1 tornado, 95 mph winds
- East of Amboy (Lee County) — EF1 tornado, 90 mph winds
What is an EF1 Tornado?
The "Enhanced Fujita Scale" rates tornadoes from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest). EF1 means moderate damage — winds 86–110 mph. Think: roofs peeled off, mobile homes flipped, trees snapped like twigs.
Damage Reports So Far
| Location | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Ransom, IL | Freight train cars toppled over |
| Andersonville (Chicago) | Large tree fell on parked cars near Catalpa & Clark |
| Oak Lawn | Road flooding stranded drivers |
| Mundelein | Car ended up in a retention pond (roads were slick) |
| Bartlett | Lightning struck a tree → caught fire + damaged underground gas line |
| Northwest Indiana | Heavy rain + strong winds caught on video |
Good News: By Monday 11 a.m., crews had cleared the tree in Andersonville. Power outages are being tracked — check the ABC7 Outage Tracker.
What’s Coming Tuesday?
Timeline & Risk Levels
| Time | Risk Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Monday overnight | Low | A few stray storms, not severe |
| Tuesday morning | Moderate | Rain likely, dragging into midday |
| 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday | HIGH (Level 3 of 5) | Main event: Large storm complex moving through. Biggest threats: damaging winds + heavy rain |
IMPORTANT: Level 3 out of 5 means "Enhanced Risk" — numerous severe storms possible. This is more serious than Monday’s Level 2.
How to Stay Safe: 5 Simple Steps
- Charge your phone — Keep it at 100% before storms hit
- Enable weather alerts — Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts in phone settings
- Know your safe spot — Basement or interior room on lowest floor, away from windows
- Secure outdoor items — Patio furniture, trash cans, grills → bring inside or tie down
- Don’t drive through flooded roads — "Turn around, don’t drown" — just 12 inches of water can float a car
Live Radar Links (Bookmark These!)
- Cook County Radar
- DuPage County Radar
- Will County Radar
- Lake County Radar
- Kane County Radar
- Northwest Indiana Radar
Summary
- Three EF1 tornadoes confirmed Sunday night/Monday morning (LaSalle & Lee Counties)
- Damage includes: train derailment, downed trees, flooding, power outages, lightning fire
- Tuesday is the bigger concern — Level 3 risk, peak danger 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Main threats Tuesday: Damaging straight-line winds + heavy rainfall
- Prep now: Charge devices, secure yard items, review your shelter plan
FAQ
What does "Level 3 out of 5" mean for severe weather?
It’s called an "Enhanced Risk." It means numerous severe storms are possible — more widespread and/or intense than a Level 2 ("Slight Risk"). Expect damaging winds (60+ mph), large hail, and a few tornadoes.
Is an EF1 tornado dangerous?
Yes. While not the strongest, EF1 winds (86–110 mph) can destroy mobile homes, rip roofs off houses, snap trees, and flip vehicles. The train derailment in Ransom shows how powerful they are.
Should I cancel plans for Tuesday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.?
If possible, yes. That’s the peak danger window. If you must be out, have a way to get alerts and know where to shelter quickly.
What’s the difference between a "watch" and a "warning"?
- Watch = "Be ready." Conditions could produce severe weather. Covers a large area, hours in advance.
- Warning = "Take action NOW." Severe weather is happening or imminent. Covers a smaller area (like a county).
Where can I watch live coverage?
ABC7 Chicago streams 24/7 — click here to watch live.
Stay safe, Chicago! Keep an eye on the sky Tuesday, and don’t ignore those alerts.