Numerous tornadoes spotted across Chicago area as storms barrel through

CHICAGO - The National Weather Service confirmed multiple tornadoes touched down across the Chicago area Wednesday as severe storms barreled through the region.

Tornado Warnings were in effect for Cook, DuPage, Will, Kendall, McHenry, Kane, and Lake counties. At one point, a tornado near Midway Airport was reported to be heading toward downtown Chicago.

The severe storm led to hundreds of flight delays and cancelations at Midway Airport and O’Hare International Airport.

By 10 p.m., 397 flights in and out of O’Hare had been canceled, according to FlyChicago, and more than 1,200 flights were delayed.

That made up the majority of canceled flights in the U.S. on Wednesday, which was topping 500 by late evening.

Things worsened amid a ground stop at the airport. Thousands of passengers were forced to shelter in place, packing into an underground tunnel at the O’Hare.

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down around 7 p.m. near O’Hare, and was touching the ground intermittently while it moved east.

Amtrak also suspended trains due to severe weather.

Meanwhile, around the same time, there was also a ground stop at Midway where heavy rain tore through the area. By 10 p.m. Wednesday, 40 flights were canceled there and 444 flights were delayed.

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A Tornado Watch for the Chicago area was canceled around 8:30 p.m. Isolated hail up to 2-inches large was possible with these storms, as well as scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph.

Across Chicagoland, trees were uprooted and power had been knocked out for many. Roofs of homes were also seen torn off, as local residents now begin to pick up the pieces.

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Cellphone video in unincorporated Kane County showed flying debris and high winds. Another clip showed a funnel cloud touching down seen by residents in nearby Plato Township.

Residents say the radical force of nature happened just after 6 p.m. Tornado sirens sounded and the aftermath included several large trees snapped in half, and trees on top of homes and barns. Tree branches were also scattered throughout the area.

A few barns had their roofs blown off all together. Families accessing the damage said they were grateful because the outcome could have been much worse.

As of 10 p.m., power was out for dozens of families in the subdivision and surrounding towns.

Meanwhile, several western suburbs have been issued a diaster proclamation for flooding concerns.

Thursday may end up totally dry, but a shower or storm still cannot be ruled out. Nothing like Wednesday, that’s for sure. Highs will be in the 80s.

Friday will be hot and humid with highs that could approach 90 with a chance of a pop-up storm once again.

Can’t rule out showers and storms on a scattered basis over the weekend, but Sunday looks to have a lower chance of rain.