Chicago, IL – Strong winds swept across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on Wednesday, producing widespread gusts over 50 mph and prompting scattered reports of downed tree limbs, power flickers, and difficult travel on elevated roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the highest recorded gust occurred at the Michigan City Lighthouse, where sensors measured a 66 mph gust Wednesday evening. Several other lakeshore and inland locations also reported significant winds as the storm system moved through the region.
Peak gusts included 60 mph at both Harrison-Dever Crib and a site 3 miles southwest of Midway Airport, as well as 59 mph measured in Gary, Indiana. Chicago-Midway Airport recorded a 56 mph gust, while O’Hare International Airport reported 51 mph.
Elsewhere in the region, communities such as Peru (55 mph), Romeoville (55 mph), Rockford (53 mph), Elmhurst (51 mph), and Valparaiso (52 mph) all experienced gusts strong enough to cause minor travel impacts and brief visibility reductions in open areas.
Waukegan (51 mph), Chicago–Montrose Beach (50 mph), Sugar Grove (50 mph), and Batavia (50 mph) rounded out the list of locations reporting gusts near or above the 50 mph threshold.
Forecasters noted that many of the stronger readings along Lake Michigan came from elevated marine platforms, which often capture the most intense winds during strong pressure gradients.
While winds have since eased, the National Weather Service encourages residents to remain cautious of lingering debris, downed branches, and any remaining power interruptions following Wednesday’s high winds.
