The muggiest air of 2007, which first reached the area Sunday, exploded Wednesday for a fifth consecutive day into downpour and funnel-cloud producing t-storms. Doppler radar velocity measurements identified tornadic rotation around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday afternoon in northern Kane County. A flurry of funnel reports ensued from Maple Park to Schaumburg, prompting the activation of tornado sirens. A quick 1”+ of rain hit in sometimes blinding downpours. No touchdowns occurred beneath the 40,000 ft. tall storms and flooding proved the major culprit. The same westward moving lake breeze front responsible for the mid afternoon storm eruption produced the day’s second thundery cloudburst—this one focused on Sugar Grove and Aurora in southern Kane County. Rainfall rates there reached 3.50”/hour with radar storm estimates topping 3”. Significant flooding was reported in the area on Illinois Route 47.
--By Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
