CHICAGO (AP) — Strong thunderstorms swept across northeastern Illinois, uprooting trees and knocking out electricity to thousands of Commonwealth Edison customers.
Commonwealth Edison says 113,000 customers were without power Friday afternoon, with most of the outages in northern Cook, and in Lake and Kane counties. Spokeswoman Kim Morris-Johnson warns the public to assume downed power lines are energized and should be reported to authorities.
The National Weather Service reports winds of up to 70 mph were recorded. Chicago’s Department of Aviation said travelers should expect flight delays at O’Hare International Airport. There were no delays reported at Midway Airport.
Service on several Metra commuter rail lines was being slowed by high winds.
The weather service has cancelled a severe thunderstorm warning for the area. However, a severe thunderstorm watch continues until 9 p.m.
