Wind gusts over 70 mph cause damage and flooding in Chicago as storms continue

Strong wind gusts exceeding 70 mph swept through Chicago on Wednesday afternoon, bringing down trees, snapping power lines and shattering windows in several neighborhoods. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of the metropolitan area until 4:30 p.m., citing a fast-moving cold front that triggered a brief but intense line of storms.

"The storms produced anywhere from 60 to as much as 70-plus mph winds across the area," National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Birk said. "That resulted in some sporadic wind damage across portions of the area."

The gusts caused widespread damage, including downed trees on Jackson Boulevard that blocked traffic and forced Metra to reverse a train on the South Side. Flash flooding was reported on the West Side, with standing water in Austin and Garfield Park and significant inundation near West Washington Street and South Homan Avenue. Residents said basements were flooded and power outages affected dozens of households.

Air travel was also disrupted, with nearly 400 flights canceled at O’Hare and 10 at Midway by early evening, and delays averaging more than an hour.

The weather service warned that another line of storms with similar wind speeds is expected around 9 p.m. Wednesday, and additional storms, potentially producing tornadoes, are forecast for Thursday afternoon. Conditions are projected to improve by Friday, with highs near 80°F and lows in the mid-60s.