Havoc in Illinois, Destructive Storms Uprooted Trees, Destroyed Cars & Homes

"llinois endured nearly 17 hours of relentless storms that left a trail of destruction across the state. Winds up to 70 mph tore down trees and power lines, heavy rain flooded streets and viaducts, and more than 200,000 people lost power. Homes were damaged, vehicles crushed, and entire neighborhoods forced into recovery. This was not a brief summer thunderstorm, but a long-lived system that reshaped daily life across northern Illinois. 200,000 people lost power as trees came down, streets were blocked, and emergency crews worked through the night. By daybreak, the damage was widespread. These were straight line winds, widespread and intense, striking at time of night when many were asleep." SW