Key facts
- Severe storms caused widespread power outages across the Midwest, affecting hundreds of thousands of customers.
- Major Chicago airports experienced over 1,000 flight delays and cancellations.
- Tornado warnings were issued in several Midwestern states.
- Damage included roofs blown off buildings, collapsed barns, and downed trees and power lines.
- Commonwealth Edison reported downed poles and wires impacting power restoration efforts.
Severe storms across the Midwest on Wednesday led to widespread power outages and significant disruptions to air travel. Hundreds of thousands of customers lost electricity in Illinois and Michigan, with additional outages reported in several other states. The storms, which included tornado warnings in parts of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa, also caused over 1,000 flight delays and cancellations at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports, prompting temporary ground stops. Damage reported included roofs being torn off buildings, collapsed barns, and downed trees and power lines. Commonwealth Edison Company confirmed downed poles and wires were impacting restoration efforts. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson urged residents to seek shelter and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.