hicago, IL – A powerful storm system tracked across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on March 14-15, producing severe thunderstorms and at least four confirmed tornadoes. The National Weather Service (NWS) has verified tornado touchdowns in Yorkville, Bartlett, Cedar Lake, and Schererville-Merrillville, with damage assessments underway.
According to the NWS, the strongest tornado was an EF-1 that struck Cedar Lake, IN, with estimated peak winds of 86 mph. This brief but intense twister traveled one mile, uprooting trees, snapping trunks, and causing partial roof damage to homes along its path. A trampoline was also found wrapped around a telephone pole along West 133rd Avenue.
In Yorkville, IL, an EF-0 tornado with peak winds of 80 mph tore through a residential area, damaging shingles, fences, and trees along its 3.7-mile path. The tornado began near Illinois Route 47 and Bonnie Lane, intensifying as it moved northeast before dissipating just past Reservation Road.
Bartlett and Hanover Park also saw an EF-0 tornado, which traveled 0.8 miles with winds reaching 75 mph. Damage was mostly limited to trees, with at least one uprooted near Andover Drive and Andover Court.
Meanwhile, a tornado in Schererville-Merrillville, IN, also rated EF-0, traveled five miles with peak winds of 80 mph. The twister began near Rohrman Drive and crossed U.S. Route 30 into West Merrillville, snapping trees in Memory Lane Memorial Cemetery before dissipating near West 52nd Place in southeast Ross. Damage included downed trees and roofing material blown from homes.
Beyond the tornadoes, the storm system generated widespread straight-line wind damage, particularly in eastern DeKalb County and western Kane County, affecting towns such as Burlington, Hampshire, and Huntley. Gusts between 40 and 50 mph were recorded, with some areas experiencing stronger localized bursts.
The weather event was part of a larger system that moved from the central Plains into the Upper Midwest, sparking a multi-day severe weather outbreak. While the tornadoes were brief, they left behind significant cleanup efforts for affected communities.
Officials urge residents to report any additional storm damage to local authorities. The NWS continues to finalize its assessments, and additional details may emerge as more data is reviewed.
For the latest updates and interactive storm track maps, visit the NWS website or follow local emergency management agencies.
