Illinois in Midwest Hit by Destructive Tornadoes
CHICAGO – A strong storm system swept through parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest on Wednesday, resulting in at least a dozen Tornado Warnings and putting communities south of Chicago on high alert for severe thunderstorms. Although not as widespread as the recent deadly outbreak that claimed the lives of at least 43 people across the Southern Plains and the South, nearly 50 million residents were at an elevated risk for severe weather. Cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Peoria, Decatur, and Champaign were among those threatened.
Gary, Indiana experienced significant damage as winds reaching at least 75 mph caused trees to topple and homes to sustain damage soon after rush hour. The city reported sightings of a funnel cloud in the area, with numerous homes and businesses reporting significant wind damage, flooding, and fallen trees. Emergency response teams were on-site to assist affected residents.
A tornado in Stafford, Illinois was observed by FOX Weather’s Brandon Copic on March 19, 2025. FOX Weather’s Forecast Center indicated the presence of “dirty rain” and several “gustnadoes,” indicating a day of potentially severe weather, although not expected to be record-breaking. However, reports of severe weather continued to come in.
“Gustnadoes” are dust swirls caused by strong winds ahead of a thunderstorm’s downdraft, capable of producing damage similar to an EF-0 or EF-1 tornado. FOX Weather’s Storm Tracker Brandon Copic spotted one of these vortexes near Stanford, Illinois, as tornado-warned storms moved across the state.
Areas like Hammond, Indiana, and Chicago Heights were under Tornado Warnings based on radar indications. The first round of severe weather developed earlier in Nebraska and Iowa, bringing snow, blizzard conditions, and even thundersnow.
Power outages increased in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa, with blizzard conditions persisting into Wednesday night. A gust of 74 mph was reported in Lincoln. Hail accumulation along Interstate 72 led to multiple crashes, resembling conditions of a blizzard. Reports of hail the size of pennies and quarters were received by National Weather Service offices across Illinois, coating some grassy areas.
