Severe thunderstorms and high winds leave nearly 1 million Midwest customers without power

Power outages impacted roughly 991,000 customers in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky on Tuesday after severe thunderstorms and wind gusts exceeding 80 mph swept the Midwest. The storms triggered tornado warnings, damaged trees and power lines, and caused flooding on roads.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport experienced significant flight disruptions, with 45% of flights delayed and 10% cancelled, according to flight-tracking data. Flights at Chicago’s other major airport were also temporarily halted.

National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Baker said the region was on the outer edge of a “ring of fire,” a pattern that brings intense moisture and instability. The service warned earlier in the day that “these are dangerous storms.”

At least three suspected tornadoes touched down in south Chicago suburbs and northwest Indiana, according to CBS News Chicago meteorologists. In Flossmoor, Illinois, downed power lines and trees were reported, and a resident described hearing debris strike his home.

In Portage, Indiana, a home explosion during the storm killed at least one person, though officials have not confirmed whether the weather caused the blast. Nearby Crown Point and LaPorte County reported extensive tree damage.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said a resident of Roseville died when first responders could not reach the scene due to flooded roads, and he cautioned that flood hazards would continue through early Friday. Columbus officials sent municipal workers home early, and the Westerville public library closed after rain entered its atrium.