Video from a home security system captured a storm as it burst its way through the Oswego area on Memorial Day. Much of the Chicago area had been under a Tornado Watch with numerous weather warnings in place. (Video courtesy: Ryan Crissey)
Memorial Day storms in the Chicago area tore off part of the roof at a suburban Menards, collapsed a gas station canopy and brought torrential rain and hail before leaving thousands without power.
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The first wave of storms brought Tornado Warnings to numerous counties. Wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, hail ranging from the size of peas to golf balls and rainfall totals of more than two inches were reported within less than an hour.
As the storms made their way through the area, more than 12,800 ComEd customers were left without power, particularly in the western and southern suburbs. ComEd said it was working to restore service as soon as possible.
A Citgo gas station canopy collapsed onto several cars in Alsip during the storms.
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At a Menards in Yorkville, large portions of a roof were torn off in the burst.
Naperville police said numerous roads were blocked in the suburb due to downed trees. Residents were out helping to clear storm drains as city crews worked to clear damage, authorities said.
The severe weather continued throughout the afternoon in the Chicago area. An observed tornado was reported along the Illinois-Indiana border near southeast Cook County, but it was not immediately clear if there was damage or injuries in the area.
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The storms are expected to weaken as the evening continues.
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Another round of potentially severe evening storms will be possible Tuesday.
