The National Weather Service has now confirmed at least seven tornadoes touched down during the storms Monday. There have been dozens of confirmed tornadoes so far this year.
The NWS has confirmed the following tornadoes:
-EF1 tornado in Hazel Crest
-EF1 tornado in Lansing
-EF0 tornado in Glen Ellyn
-EF0 tornado in Orland Park
-EF0 tornado in Wheaton
-EF0 tornado in Downers Grove
-EF0 tornado in Romeoville
A disaster proclamation has now been issued for Cook County as suburban residents continue to clean up storm damage.
"Earlier this week, severe storms brought significant damage and disruption to communities across Cook County," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement Thursday. "I am grateful forthe collaboration of our municipal partners, the State of Illinois, first responders, utility providers and Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security as we continue responding to the needs of impacted communitiesand businesses. My administrationwillcontinuestanding with residents, supporting local recoveryeffortsand pursuing all available resources to help communities rebuild."
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The Wheaton tornado started just south of Wheaton College. It was on the ground for two minutes or less, with a peak width of 100 yards and winds of 75 mph, the NWS said Wednesday.
In Homewood, residents faced similar conditions. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado moved through the village Monday with winds of up to 110 mph.
Many residents in Homewood remained without power, relying on generators as cleanup efforts continued. Neighbors throughout the community have been helping one another remove debris and recover from the storm.
ComEd officials said they should have about 80% of power restored Wednesday, but many will likely be waiting until Friday.
The National Weather Service continues surveying storm damage in Chicago Heights. Officials have not yet confirmed whether additional tornadoes touched down there, but damage assessments remain ongoing.