Chicago storms swept across northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Monday, July 27, 2026, producing winds above 100 mph, large hail, flash flooding, widespread power outages, possible tornado reports and major travel disruptions.
100 mph winds sweep across the region
A powerful line of Chicago storms crossed northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Monday, July 27, 2026, producing wind gusts above 100 mph, destructive hail and intense rainfall.
The National Weather Service described the system as a severe squall line capable of extensive straight-line wind damage. Trees fell across multiple suburbs, streets flooded and nearly 300,000 customers lost power across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
Weather alerts described the conditions as life-threatening and cautioned that flying debris could be deadly for people caught outdoors or without sturdy shelter.
Tornado reports await confirmation
Trained weather spotters reported possible tornado touchdowns in Orland Park and Glen Ellyn, but the National Weather Service had not confirmed either report as of publication.
Tornado warnings were also issued for parts of Cook, DuPage and Will counties as rotating storms moved through the Chicago region.
Large hail was reported across the suburbs. The Weather Service received reports of baseball-sized hail in Kenosha County, tennis ball-sized hail measuring up to 2.5 inches in Westmont and golf ball-sized hail in communities including Downers Grove, Elmhurst and Lemont.
Airports and commuter trains disrupted
Ground stops affected Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport through Monday afternoon. Water was also seen leaking through a ceiling near Gate B33 at O’Hare.
Metra trains were halted or canceled because of damaged wires and high winds. Debris on tracks also delayed or suspended Chicago Transit Authority service on the Red, Purple and Yellow lines.
Flooding and cleanup continue
Wheaton reported widespread flooding and fallen trees, while Addison closed streets because of flooding and a damaged electrical pole.
Flash flood warnings covered parts of Chicago, suburban Cook County, Will County and northwest Indiana. Rainfall rates reached 1 to 3 inches per hour in some warned areas, creating the risk of rapid flooding on streets, underpasses and other low-lying locations.
Utilities and local crews were working to restore power, remove debris and reopen roads. The full extent of the damage, including whether tornadoes touched down, remained subject to official assessment.
