Mostly sunny Friday. Highs in the upper 70s.
Powerful storms that swept through the south and southwest suburbs caused extensive damage, left thousands without power and sent at least one woman to the hospital after a tree crashed into her home.
Many residents in Merrillville are expressing relief that no one was hurt as cleanup and recovery efforts continue following a tornado that tore through the Northwest Indiana community, with more severe weather still a concern.
Cleanup across the Chicago area got underway Friday after strong thunderstorms spawned at least seven confirmed tornadoes Thursday, including preliminary EF-3 tornadoes.
A husband and wife recovering after an EF-3 tornado destroyed their Streator home, trapping them in the debris and leaving both injured. Dramatic video recorded during the storm showed part of the ordeal.
After strong thunderstorms moved through the Chicago area Wednesday, toppling trees and causing power outages, another round of storms brought tornadoes and even more damage Thursday.