Chicago Weather: Microburst caused South Side roof damage, NWS says
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The storms were relentless overnight, causing damage across the city. The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday that a microburst caused damage to roof on Chicago's South Side.
The roof of a building in the city's Garfield Ridge neighborhood was ripped off, leaving dozens of people without a place to live. Fortunately, no one was walking by when the debris hit the ground.
The severe weather also chewed up the roof of a four-story apartment building at South King Drive and East 50th Street. Firefighters responded to make sure everyone was OK. CFD had to keep residents out of the building overnight because of the intense wind.
Twenty-four of the building's 96 units had to be evacuated as roofers and architects prepare to make repairs. The American Red Cross said it assisted 64 people Wednesday night.
Roofers are working to securely attach a tarp to the roof before more permanent repairs can be made.
Thick branches of a large tree came crashing down onto two cars parked on the street below at North Hamlin and West Leland avenues in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood. Part of the tree extends all the way across the street, so police kept people from getting too close.
Lightning struck the back door of a house in the 2200-block of North Menard Avenue in the city's Belmont Cragin neighborhood. The gutters appeared to have blown off where the bolt of lightning hit. Everyone in the house was safe.
Adele Cirlincione sent ABC7 Eyewitness News photos of property damage caused by the storm in southwest suburban Plainfield.
Despite the extent of storm damage across the area, no injuries have been reported.
Chicago area expressways and local streets were slick Thursday morning. Standing water was an issue for areas southwest of the city. Drivers were advised to budget a little more time for their commute, especially if they live in low lying areas or travel through them.
WATCH: Time-Lapse video of a wall of rain arriving in Chicago
ComEd officials said as of 5 a.m. Thursday, 5,200 customers were without power systemwide. The impacted customers were mainly in Chicago and northern region.
Both Chicago's Water Reclamation District and DuPage County have implemented their flood-control strategies following heavy rains, monitoring reservoirs in McCook and Bloomingdale respectively.
More storms could move through the area Thursday night, especially after 4 p.m. when chances increase for strong, isolated storms to return. Large hail, strong winds and heavy downpours are primary concerns.
The weather was affecting operations at Chicago's airports. As of 5:15 p.m. O'Hare International Airport reported delays of 1 hour and 50 minutes and 292 flights canceled, while Midway International Airport reported delays of less than 15 minutes and 34 flights canceled.
