CHICAGO, IL – A relentless onslaught of storms tore through northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on July 28-29, 2023, leaving a path of devastation in its wake.
In the early morning hours of July 28, the first round of storms hit the region, with reports of damaging winds causing havoc. Then, during the evening and early morning of July 28-29, the second round struck, unleashing damaging hail, widespread winds, and multiple tornadoes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed six tornadoes in the Chicago forecast area on the morning of July 30th:
1. Minooka-Shorewood-Joliet Tornado (Kendall and Will counties)
Date: July 28, 2023
Time: 10:51 PM – 11:03 PM CDT
Classification: EF-1
Maximum Wind Speed: 95 MPH
Path Length: 7.6 miles
Path Width: 225 yards
2. Minooka to Channahon Tornado (Grundy and Will counties)
Date: July 28, 2023
Time: 10:54 PM – 11:00 PM CDT
Classification: EF-0
Maximum Wind Speed: 85 MPH
Path Length: 5.2 miles
Path Width: 250 yards
3. Midewin N. T.P.-Peotone Tornado (Will County)
Date: July 28, 2023
Time: 11:01 PM – 11:19 PM CDT
Classification: EF-0
Maximum Wind Speed: 85 MPH
Path Length: 15.4 miles
Path Width: 60 yards
4. Bradley to Kankakee Tornado (Kankakee County)
Date: July 28, 2023
Time: 11:19 PM – 11:24 PM CDT
Classification: EF-0
Maximum Wind Speed: 80 MPH
Path Length: 6.1 miles
Path Width: 350 yards
5. Momence Tornado (Kankakee County)
Date: July 28, 2023
Time: 11:32 PM – 11:38 PM CDT
Classification: EF-1
Maximum Wind Speed: 110 MPH
Path Length: 3.4 miles
Path Width: 90 yards
6. Newark to Lisbon Tornado (Kendall County)
Date: July 28, 2023
Time: 10:32 PM – 10:46 PM CDT
Classification: EF-0
Maximum Wind Speed: 85 MPH
Path Length: 8.8 miles
Path Width: 80 yards
The Minooka-Shorewood-Joliet Tornado, classified as an EF-1, packed wind speeds of 95 mph and carved a path of 7.6 miles, leaving a trail of destruction 225 yards wide. Roof damage, uprooted trees, and downed power lines were common sights along its path.
Meanwhile, the Minooka to Channahon Tornado, rated as an EF-0 with wind speeds of 85 mph, covered 5.2 miles, leaving a path width of 250 yards. Although considered a lower-category tornado, it still managed to cause damage to structures and vehicles.
The Midewin N. T.P.-Peotone Tornado, another EF-0 tornado, was on the ground for an extended period, traveling 15.4 miles with a narrow path width of just 60 yards. Even with its narrower path, this tornado still managed to generate 85 mph winds, causing considerable damage. No bison have been reported injured in the event.
In Bradley to Kankakee, the EF-0 tornado brought wind speeds of 80 mph and a wider path width of 350 yards. The tornado touched down near River Bend Subdivision before crossing the Kankakee River and lifting near Interstate 57. It traveled a path of 6.1 miles before dissipating. A portion of the Valspar Building EF-0 on Fair Street in Kankakee partially collapsed in the storm.
Among the tornadoes, the Momence Tornado stood out as the most powerful with an EF-1 classification and winds reaching 110 mph. Despite its relatively shorter path length of 3.4 miles, the tornado managed to inflict severe damage along its route. The tornado damaged two apartments on Harvard Avenue before traveling a straight path down Route 114 and out of town.
The Newark to Lisbon Tornado, classified as an EF-0, traveled 8.8 miles with wind speeds of 85 mph, leaving a path width of 80 yards. This tornado’s impact added to the overall devastation in the region.
