1 killed in Iowa as severe storms, suspected tornadoes slam Midwest

Severe storms, accompanied by suspected tornadoes, swept across the Midwest on Thursday, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and causing significant damage. At least one fatality was reported in Iowa, where a 54-year-old man died after being struck by a tree during the intense weather.

The storms downed trees and utility wires across several states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, where approximately 11 cities reported tornadoes. Wind gusts reached up to 75 miles per hour in Mason City, Illinois. In Illinois alone, over 243,000 customers lost power by Thursday evening, according to utility tracker PowerOutage.us.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center issued a level 4 out of 5 risk for the Chicago area, indicating a high likelihood of widespread severe storms. This level of risk, typically seen once every two years, had not been issued for Chicago since July 15, 2024, when a record 32 tornadoes touched down. Tornadoes were confirmed in rural areas southwest of Chicago, with preliminary reports of damaged buildings in Streator.

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broke apart and fell during strong storms

Amidst the chaos, a dramatic rescue unfolded in Streator when storm chaser Scott Lasker assisted a woman whose husband was trapped in rubble after a confirmed tornado tore through the city. While no fatalities were reported in Streator, the incident highlighted the destructive power of the storms. In Unionville, Missouri, photos showed the remnants of a home destroyed by a tornado on Wednesday.

Intense downpours, hail, and thunderstorms continued into Thursday, prompting tornado watches and warnings for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, causing flight delays and cancellations at major airports, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Newark.

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he heard a woman, about 100 yards away, screaming for help.