Chicago faced severe storms on August 5–6, 2026, with tornadoes, flooding, and widespread power outages. Crews work on recovery as residents clean up damage across the city and suburbs.
Flooding Hits South Side and Suburbs Hard
Chicago is in recovery mode today after one of the most destructive storm systems of the summer tore through the city and suburbs.
On Monday, August 5, severe thunderstorms spawned multiple tornadoes, unleashed damaging winds, and caused widespread flooding.
The aftermath has left thousands without power, families cleaning up flooded basements, and crews working around the clock to restore normalcy.
These tornadoes highlight the vulnerability of suburban areas, where dense housing and commercial districts amplify the impact of severe weather.
Heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems across the region.
Basement flooding was reported in hundreds of homes, particularly in the 8th Ward on Chicago’s Far South Side.
Streets in Frankfort, Oak Forest, and Chicago Heights were closed due to standing water.
Some areas recorded two inches of rain in just two hours, leading to flash flooding that stranded vehicles and disrupted commutes.
Flooding remains a major concern today, as saturated ground and clogged drains continue to pose risks for residents.
Power Outages Leave Thousands Without Electricity
At the peak of the storm, 530,000 ComEd customers lost electricity.
As of this morning, 226,000 remain without power.
Crews expect 80% restoration by Wednesday noon, with full restoration by Friday night.
The outages have disrupted daily life, with families relying on generators and businesses struggling to maintain operations.
City crews and residents are working tirelessly to clear fallen trees, damaged roofs, and flooded streets. Relief efforts are concentrated in Hazel Crest, Orland Park, and Lansing, where tornadoes caused the most destruction.
The National Weather Service is conducting surveys to assess the full extent of the damage and has requested residents to submit photos and videos to aid in their analysis.
The storms left families displaced, businesses damaged, and schools assessing building safety. Officials urge residents to:
Avoid driving through flooded streets.Report damage to local authorities.
Stay alert for additional weather warnings as conditions remain unstable.
Community organizations are stepping in to provide shelter, food, and assistance to those affected, underscoring the resilience of Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Beyond the physical damage, the storms have taken an emotional toll. Families who lived through the 2005 Plainfield tornado outbreak drew parallels to the current devastation, expressing fear and anxiety about future storms.
Residents in Lansing and Hazel Crest described the terrifying moments when winds ripped through their neighborhoods, leaving behind shattered homes and uprooted trees. The emotional scars will take time to heal, even as physical recovery progresses.
The storms have reignited discussions about Chicago’s infrastructure. Flooding exposed weaknesses in drainage systems, while widespread power outages highlighted vulnerabilities in the electrical grid.
City officials are considering long‑term investments in stormwater management and grid resilience to better prepare for future severe weather events. These conversations are critical as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms.
Chicago is facing one of its most destructive storm systems in recent memory. With tornadoes, flooding, and widespread outages, the city is now focused on recovery.
The resilience of residents, the dedication of crews, and the support of community organizations highlight Chicago’s determination to rebuild after nature’s latest test.
As cleanup continues, the storms serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, infrastructure investment, and community solidarity in the face of extreme weather.