Powerful storms slam Midwest, leave nearly 1 million without power
Nearly 1 million customers in the Midwest were without power as perilous thunderstorms and extreme wind gusts pummeled the region on Tuesday.
Severe storms swept through the Midwest on Tuesday, leaving nearly one million customers without power across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Tornado warnings were issued as dark skies rolled in, grounding all flights at Chicago's two largest airports. According to FlightAware, 45% of incoming and 10% of outgoing flights experienced delays or cancellations.
At least one fatality was reported in Ohio, and social media photos showed flooded roads, trees entangled in power lines, and roofs damaged by high winds. The Midwest was experiencing an "outer edge of a ring of fire," a phenomenon characterized by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and high atmospheric pressure. Two suspected tornadoes struck suburbs in Chicago and northwest Indiana, causing significant damage to power lines and homes.
In Flossmoor, residents sought shelter in their basements, while in Portage, Indiana, a home explosion claimed at least one life. The storm's aftermath included canceled events, such as the Lake County, Indiana, Fair, and flooded roads, which impeded emergency response efforts. Officials warned that flood dangers would persist through early Friday due to ongoing rain.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
