The winds blew over many trees, made it almost impossible to travel for a period of tens of thousands, and resulted in power outages affecting more than 70,000 ComEd customers. The storm was particularly frightening for the occupants of a three-story apartment building on 24th Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Many residents say they first heard hail and strong winds, then, a few seconds later, noticed that part of the roof had peeled off. The occupants tried to leave the building as the fire brigade arrived to provide assistance. At least 18 families have been displaced, according to Andrew Harvey, the mayor of Bellwood. One resident was hit by debris, but was expected to be well. Thousands of travelers across the major airport were asked to seek refuge as a precaution due to heavy storms on Monday night. NBC 5’s Alex Marangos has the story. More damage was done on the road, where some found that their cars had been hit by the storm. “I’m glad no one was sitting in it,” said Naeesha Ellis, a resident whose car was damaged. As the storms passed, operations were halted at O’Hare International Airport. Thousands of travelers across the major airport were called in to seek refuge as a precaution. Hundreds gathered under the famous neon-lit runway that connects to the gates at Terminal 1. When the sky cleared, restrictions were gradually lifted by the Federal Aviation Administration.
