Fierce storms that blew winds of more than 80 miles per hour knocked down trees in numerous communities and ripped off the roof of a suburban apartment building as they ripped off Monday evening.
Winds blew over numerous trees, making travel nearly impossible for a time for tens of thousands of people and causing power outages that affected some 70,000 ComEd customers.
The storm was especially terrifying for tenants of a three-story apartment building on 24th Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Bellwood.
Several residents say they initially heard hail and strong winds, and seconds later, they noticed that part of the roof had peeled off. Tenants rushed out of the building when firefighters arrived to help.
At least 18 families were displaced, according to Andrew Harvey, mayor of Bellwood. One resident was hit by rubble, but was expected to be fine.
Thousands of travelers through the extensive airport were told to seek refuge as a precaution due to heavy storms Monday evening. NBC 5’s Alex Maragos has the story.
More damage occurred on the street, where some discovered their cars had been hit by the storm.
“I’m glad no one is sitting,” said Naeesha Ellis, a resident whose car was damaged.
As the storms passed, operations were halted at O’Hare International Airport. Thousands of passengers at the extensive airport were told to seek refuge as a precaution. Hundreds were grouped under the famous neon-lit walkway that connects to the gates of Terminal 1. When the sky cleared, the Federal Aviation Administration gradually lifted restrictions.