Clean-up efforts have begun after powerful thunderstorms rocked portions of the Chicago area Sunday morning, leaving thousands without power and “significant” damage in parts of Joliet.
According to ComEd, more than 8,000 customers were left without power on Sunday morning following the storms, which brought wind gusts in excess of 50 miles per hour and heavy rains to the region.
Flooding was also reported in several suburban counties, with heavy rains coming mere hours after earlier storms had dumped several inches of precipitation on the region. That rain was so heavy on Saturday that water rescues had to be reportedly undertaken in Rockford and other parts of the northwestern suburbs, according to officials.
Joliet officials issued a statement Sunday morning confirming that central and eastern portions of the city had sustained “significant damage” from the storms, leaving many residents without power.
“Several roadways are closed or blocked due to fallen trees and debris,” officials said. “Citizens are urged to avoid travel if possible to allow for emergency responders to begin clean-up.”
A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for central Will County during the worst of the storms, with strong wind gusts and frequent lightning strikes reported during that time.
More storms could potentially form as Sunday moves along, with hot and humid conditions expected to fuel those storms. Gusty winds will once again be the main threat, with heavy rain and some hail also possible, according to the National Weather Service.