Homewood, IL – Homewood residents are continuing to recover Friday from an EF-1 tornado, with widespread power outages still affecting the south suburban community as crews clear debris and repair electrical infrastructure.
According to the Village of Homewood, ComEd reported that 63% of its Homewood customers had power restored as of 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Crews and tree-removal contractors were assigned to a major electrical feeder serving one of the community’s larger remaining outage areas.
Officials said workers must clear trees and debris before some repairs can safely be completed. Power is expected to return in sections as that work progresses, potentially restoring service to a significant number of customers.
The American Red Cross has also opened a pet-friendly shelter at Southland College Prep, 4601 Sauk Trail in Richton Park. Homewood officials said closer facilities initially considered for shelters were also affected by widespread outages.
For residents needing relief Friday, Homewood’s Village Board Room will operate as a cooling and charging center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional cooling and charging locations include Homewood Public Library, Irwin Community Center, H-F Racquet & Fitness Club and Calvary Assembly of God.
Convoy of Hope is also scheduled to distribute free food, water, meal kits and disaster kits beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Calvary Assembly of God, 18620 Governors Highway in Flossmoor.
Meanwhile, Homewood School District 153 has announced its first day of school will be Monday, Aug. 24.
Village officials said they will continue providing ComEd restoration updates as information becomes available.
