Severe thunderstorms leave major damage near Chicago as Plains, Midwest brace for more storms
The renewed severe weather threat comes after many parts of the region were blasted by severe thunderstorms on Saturday that brought reports of tornadoes in North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as softball-sized hail and hurricane-force wind gusts.
Chicago among millions at risk of seeing severe weather Sunday, Monday
The severe weather threat on Sunday has expanded to include millions of people from the Midwest to Great Lakes, including cities like Chicago and Indianapolis.
CHICAGO – Thousands have been left without power, and extensive damage has been reported after severe weather tore across portions of the Plains and Midwest on Sunday, and the threat is expected to continue throughout the day and into the start of the new workweek.
Watch: Tornado spins across North Dakota field
A video recorded in Barney, North Dakota, shows a tornado spinning across a field during severe weather on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
The severe weather threat on Sunday and Monday comes after many parts of the region were blasted by severe thunderstorms on Saturday that brought reports of tornadoes in North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as softball-sized hail and hurricane-force wind gusts.
A video recorded near Barney, North Dakota, showed a tornado spinning across a field and kicking up dirt and debris into the air.
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Numerous Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued Sunday, and major damage was reported in some Illinois communities after powerful thunderstorms tore across the area.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches were issued for portions of the Midwest and Plains as the threat of severe weather extended into the overnight hours.
Severe thunderstorms cause major damage in Joliet, Illinois
This photo shows major damage left behind after severe weather in Joliet, Illinois, on Sunday, July 14, 2024. (Joliet Police Department / FOX 32 Chicago)
Severe thunderstorms blasted through parts of Illinois on Sunday morning, and major damage has been reported in the city of Joliet to the southwest of Chicago.
According to poweroutage.us, more than 10,000 utility customers have been left without power in Will County as a result of the severe weather, and FOX 32 Chicago reports roofs have been torn away from buildings in Joliet.
According to the report, the Joliet Police Department said the Rock and Roll Museum is among the structures that suffered damage, and a roof was reportedly torn off a building and landed in the middle of a road.
FOX 32 reports many roads in the area have been closed, and police are urging people to stay away from the area.
No injuries have been reported.
Thunderstorms that develop on Sunday could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts and possible tornadoes.
Monday’s severe weather threat increases in Chicago, Des Moines
The multiday severe weather threat will continue into Monday across the Midwest, and the risk is growing in cities such as Chicago and Des Moines in Iowa.
Severe thunderstorms will be possible from the Rockies to the Northeast on Monday.
However, the SPC has increased the risk for many locations as conditions in the atmosphere become prime for severe thunderstorm development.
More than 15 million people from Iowa through portions of southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and northern Indiana have now been placed in a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe weather on Monday.
This includes Chicago, Aurora and Rockford in Illinois, Fort Wayne in Indiana and Des Moines in Iowa.
The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee could also see severe weather as the convention begins.
Thunderstorms that develop will be capable of producing large hail, damaging wind gusts and possible tornadoes.