The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado traveled through Hazel Crest, Homewood, Country Club Hills, and Harvey on Monday. Additionally, an EF-0 tornado was confirmed in Orland Park. This brings the total number of tornadoes in the south suburbs to three, including an EF-1 tornado in Lansing with winds near 110 mph.
According to Nakita Cloud, spokesperson for Hazel Crest, power outages are widespread in the area. Residents are advised to stay indoors due to downed power lines. Precautions should be taken to keep pets and children away from potentially live lines mixed with trees.
The tornado that hit Homewood and Hazel Crest had a complex track, with details still being finalized. Mayor Rich Hofeld of Homewood reported significant town-wide electricity outages and ongoing traffic signal issues. Essential services like the Village Hall and emergency services are running on generators, impacting people reliant on medical devices.
While Homewood experienced structural damage, areas like Hazel Crest and Lansing faced severe roof damages due to high winds. Mayor Hofeld noted the supportive spirit among residents despite the widespread damage being worse than previous incidents.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Louis Sherman Community Center in Steger. Director Fay Kiaurakis reported overnight stays by 25 people on Monday and 30 on Tuesday, with over 100 people visiting during the day. Kiaurakis emphasizes the importance of easing children’s experience of displacement, providing activities like a splash pad.
Community efforts include housing searches and addressing personal storm damage, such as Kiaurakis’s own damage from a downed tree. Volunteers and additional facilities supplied essentials such as clothes and charging stations.
Crete residents Seldon Ledford and his wife faced power outages and basement flooding for the first time in 23 years. Their personal accounts highlight the storm’s unprecedented impact.
Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge confirmed restoration of power in most areas, with severe damage primarily in tree-dense regions. Despite the tornado declaration by weather services, Dodge remained relieved about the absence of injuries and severe structural damages.
Lansing witnessed notable damages in Oakwood Estates. Preparedness Coordinator Dennis Murrin described the extent of damages, calling the storm the worst he’d witnessed and ensuring open streets for cleanup efforts.
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