Chicago area hit by storms with 100 mph gusts and tornado warnings

A line of fast-moving storms swept across the Chicago metropolitan area just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, bringing wind gusts measured at over 100 mph and prompting tornado warnings, according to the National Weather Service. The severe squall line produced both tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage, with the most intense conditions subsiding by noon.

NBC 5 meteorologist Pete Sack reported radar-indicated tornadoes near Oakbrook Terrace and on Interstate 88, as well as a tornado spotted in Homewood moving east at about 70 mph. > "This is a very dangerous situation we're looking at right now," Sack said.

Downtown high-rise buildings and Navy Pier instructed occupants to shelter in place as trees were uprooted, power lines downed and roads blocked by debris. Suburban officials reported power outages, flooded roadways and numerous downed trees. In Plainfield, Route 126 was closed after wires fell, and a train was halted by a fallen tree on the tracks. Flossmoor noted an unconfirmed tornado touchdown around 11 a.m. and widespread flooding on the Flossmoor Road viaduct.

Orland Park, Homewood, Romeoville, Tinley Park and other communities activated emergency crews to clear debris, restore power and advise residents to avoid travel unless necessary. Tinley Park activated its Emergency Operations Center and reported thousands without power but no injuries.

In northwest Indiana, high winds caused two semi-trucks to roll over on I-65 and U.S. 30, and power lines were downed, leading to temporary highway closures. Sgt. Glen Fifield of the Indiana State Police said the hardest damage was in Portage, Valparaiso and Merrillville.

Authorities across the affected areas urged motorists to use extreme caution around downed power lines, standing water and debris, and to follow detour instructions while cleanup efforts continue.