Severe storms swept through the U.S. Midwest on Tuesday, killing three people, leaving more than 1 million customers without power, and disrupting air travel as extreme winds and tornadoes caused widespread damage across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
At least three fatalities confirmed
Emergency officials reported three storm-related deaths in Indiana and Ohio. A 4-year-old child died after a tree fell on a home in Geneva Township, Indiana, according to Jennings County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Cody Low. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine confirmed one death in Roseville due to flooding that obstructed first responders. Additionally, a house explosion in Portage, Indiana, resulted in a third fatality, with police investigating the cause under storm-related circumstances.
Power outages and infrastructure damage
The storms knocked out electricity for more than 1 million customers across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, with the hardest-hit areas including Columbus, Ohio, and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana. Utility providers reported extreme wind gusts exceeding 80 mph (128 kph), downing trees and power lines. AEP Ohio stated it had over 2,000 workers restoring power, including crews from other states. In Chicago, all flights were temporarily halted at O’Hare and Midway airports, with 45% of departures delayed and 10% canceled, according to FlightAware.
Tornadoes and derecho conditions confirmed
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center classified the storm system as a derecho—a long-lived, widespread windstorm capable of tornado-like damage. Officials confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes in Illinois, one in southern Cook County and another in eastern Will County, both causing structural damage. Meteorologists noted wind gusts as high as 99 mph (159 kph) in Gary, Indiana, with additional reports of 80 mph (128 kph) or higher across the region.
Community and economic impacts
Residents described harrowing conditions as winds exceeded 70 mph, tearing roofs, flooding roads, and blocking access to homes. In Orland Park, Illinois, a veterinary hospital sustained significant damage to its roof and daycare facility, forcing staff to evacuate animals. In Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Andrew Ginther described “disaster-like conditions”, with downed trees and power lines creating hazardous obstacles. Flights at Chicago’s airports resumed by evening, but officials warned of lingering delays as crews cleared debris.
Ongoing risks and recovery efforts
Authorities cautioned that flooding remained a serious concern even after the storms passed, particularly in Ohio. Utility companies pledged to prioritize restoration in hardest-hit areas, though officials did not provide a timeline for full recovery. The National Weather Service reiterated warnings of dangerous conditions, urging residents to remain cautious as cleanup efforts continued.