Severe thunderstorms blasted across metropolitan Chicago Tuesday afternoon and evening, but they were a hit-or-miss affair. Damaging winds and blinding rains struck a few locations, whereas residents in other spots bypassed by the storms were left wondering what the fuss was all about.
High winds left several buildings in Elgin (35 miles west of the Loop) with structural damage, and Gary, Ind., reported a gust to 60 m.p.h. Other locations experienced only moderate winds. Rainfall also varied widely, and that is typical of thunderstorm precipitation. West suburban Oak Brook recorded 1.13 inches of rain in 20 minutes around 3 p.m., but a sprinkle barely dampened the ground at Midway Airport.
Tuesday’s strong thunderstorms and 85° temperatures preceded the arrival of much cooler Canadian air that will dominate the local weather scene for several days.
--By Richard Koeneman, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
