A cluster of tornadoes tore across the Chicago area overnight on Wednesday causing extensive damage, cancelling flights and leading thousands to take refuge at O’Hare Airport.
“[A] tornado is on the ground,” the National Weather Service posted online at 7.03pm local time. “TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.”
Sirens could be heard wailing across the area as black, ominous clouds formed over the city.
At least eight tornadoes were reported in the city amid severe thunderstorms. Viral video posted to social media showed thousands of people sheltering at O’Hare after air traffic was halted.
All departures from O’Hare and Midway airports were grounded, resulting in delays to almost all outgoing flights, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.
The tornadoes ripped through at least four counties in northeastern Illinois, including Cook County where Chicago is located.
One cinder block building collapsed in an industrial district of McCook, 15 miles southwest of Chicago.
Trees were uprooted and roofs blown off in the towns of Countryside and La Grange, according to the National Weather Service.
While there was some property damage, there were noo immediate reports of injuries or fatalities, authorities said.
Storm clouds pass over downtown Chicago and the Bronzeville neighborhood of the city heading East out over Lake Michigan— (AP)
