Cleanup underway after high winds leave trail of damage
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago area is recovering a day after after dangerous winds sent debris flying, uprooted trees and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people.
Winds gusting more than 60 mph wreaked havoc across the city. Workers were evacuated at several office buildings near Wacker Drive after flying debris from nearby construction sites broke windows of the 191 N. Wacker Drive building. Those windows are now under repair.
"The public safety department worked all day yesterday, overnight, throughout the day today, and continue to work as we speak," said Rich Guidice, OEMC.
In the city's South Loop neighborhood, State Street remained partially closed because of possible wind damage to a building being rehabbed, and an entire tree was uprooted.
"I opened the door to see what was going on outside and I was greeted by a 60-foot tree that happened to find its way into my Jeep," Erol Gadan said.
Several streets and sidewalks were closed overnight in the Loop due to the falling debris. All were reopened as of 2:45 p.m. Saturday.
"Total 180. Yesterday was crazy with the wind, people could barely walk. And today is beautiful," Michael Sisson said.
Service on the CTA Green and Pink Lines was also disrupted due to debris falling on the elevated tracks Friday. Normal service has resumed on both lines with residual delays, the CTA said Saturday.
At one point Friday, 260,000 were without power, ComEd officials said. ComEd said Saturday afternoon it had restored power to 99 percent of the affected customers.
A Chicago Streets and Sanitation worker remains hospitalized in stable condition Saturday after a van he was riding in was was hit by a falling tree in the McKinley Park neighborhood.
City officials said they are continuing to clean up debris.
