As of early Monday, more than 44,000 ComEd customers were still without power, according to ComEd’s holiday map. As warnings of tornadoes in Cook, Kane and other counties created dangerous weather conditions, travelers to O’Hare were instructed to take their place and were stopped for almost an hour. The National Weather Service will investigate the Chicago suburbs for possible tornado damage Photos and videos from across the Chicago area show damage to apartment buildings, neighborhoods and yards, leaving some unable to return home due to dangerous debris from bad weather. Bellwood Storm Damage According to a statement, the Brookfield Zoo says it has to delay its opening hours on Tuesday due to storm damage. “We suffered significant damage to our land due to last night’s storm,” said zoo officials. “We will clear fallen trees and paths and assess the extensive damage this morning.” Nearby, in the western suburb of Bellwood, Chicago, the storm was particularly frightening for the occupants of a three-story apartment building on 24th Avenue and Washington. 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 were displaced and two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to Andre Harvey, mayor of Belwood. A civil engineer is expected to inspect the building today to see if and when the occupant can return. Several residents of an apartment building in Bellwood were evacuated on Monday after a severe storm broke out on its roof. NBC 5 Regina Waldroup reports. 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. Bellwood Storm Damage While the strong storm cell has been removed, excessive heat and dangerous humidity have entered. The entire Chicago area is on alert for extreme heat until 8pm on Wednesday. Temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach 98 degrees – just one degree lower than the record set in 1987 – but the heat index will make things look hotter, with heat indexes expected to reach between 105-110 in most locations. Relief from the heat is not expected until Thursday, when temperatures are expected to drop in the 1980s.
