Severe thunderstorms hit the Chicago area, causing significant disruptions, including concert delays and widespread power outages. On Friday, May 16, over 80,000 residents in Illinois were reported to be without electricity, particularly in Cook County, where wind gusts exceeded 60 miles per hour.
The inclement weather forced the delay of Beyoncé’s concert at Soldier Field, with attendees advised to stay in the concourses until the storms passed. O’Hare International Airport also experienced a brief ground stop due to the severe weather, leading to ongoing delays throughout the evening.
Reports indicate that the strong winds led to extensive property damage, including fallen trees, snapped branches, and damaged roofs, particularly in areas of Will County and DeKalb County, where gusts nearly reached 70 miles per hour. Damage was especially impactful in suburban Lombard, where traffic lights were downed, and a tree was reported to have crashed into a house in Antioch, Lake County.
Additionally, large hail was noted in several locations, with golf ball-sized hail seen in Winthrop Harbor and Gurnee. The storms continued their path to Northwest Indiana, resulting in power outages affecting over 20,000 customers in that region.
Looking ahead, weather conditions remain concerning, with a red flag warning issued across northern Illinois due to anticipated low humidity and strong winds, gusting over 45 miles per hour. The National Weather Service cautions that more severe storms could develop in the afternoon and evening, particularly in Kankakee County and northern Indiana, while the broader Chicago area remains under a marginal risk for severe weather.
This situation underscores the importance of being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as storms can produce unexpected damage and disruption.