Chicago, IL – A powerful storm system moved through northern Illinois and northwest Indiana on March 19, producing damaging winds and multiple tornadoes. National Weather Service (NWS) surveys confirmed tornado touchdowns in Joliet, Frankfort, and several locations in northwest Indiana, including Gary.
According to the NWS Chicago office, at least eight tornadoes were confirmed across the region. Among them, EF-0 tornadoes struck Joliet, Frankfort, and Lynwood, Illinois, while an EF-1 tornado hit Steger. In northwest Indiana, tornadoes rated EF-0 and EF-1 impacted Highland and Gary, with one EF-1 tornado in Gary reaching peak winds of 110 mph and causing one reported injury.
The storms, which developed in the afternoon and evening, produced swaths of straight-line wind damage in addition to the tornadoes. Communities reported widespread hail, some up to half-dollar size, and heavy rainfall.
Following the severe weather, rain transitioned into a wintry mix late on March 19, bringing sleet and heavy snow accumulation overnight. Authorities urge residents to remain cautious of lingering hazardous conditions and report any storm damage to local emergency management offices.
For more details on the storm survey findings, visit the NWS website at weather.gov.
