Illinois–Wisconsin – Sirens echoed across northern Illinois late last night as a powerful line of storms tore through the region, producing tornadoes, damaging winds, and widespread power outages from Rockford to the Wisconsin border.
According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, the storms were part of a larger system that placed nearly 38 million people at risk for severe weather. Tornadoes were confirmed or reported near Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit, with additional sightings near Rochester, Minnesota as the system tracked northeast.
Communities took a direct hit. In Stephenson County, officials warned residents to stay out of Lena after trees and power lines blocked nearly every route into town. Emergency crews are still working to clear debris and restore access this morning.
The storm line packed wind gusts over 60 mph and bursts of hail, knocking out power across parts of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. In some areas, heavy rain fell fast enough to trigger localized flooding, adding another layer of danger for drivers overnight.
Milwaukee and surrounding areas were already dealing with saturated ground from earlier storms this week, where some neighborhoods saw a month’s worth of rain in just hours. That setup increased the risk for flash flooding as this latest round moved through.
Conditions remain hazardous this morning. Downed power lines, debris-covered roads, and standing water continue to impact travel. Officials urge drivers to avoid flooded roads, treat dark traffic signals as four-way stops, and stay clear of any damaged structures.
More updates are expected as damage surveys continue and crews assess the full extent of tornado impacts across the region.
What are you seeing this morning—damage, power outages, or flooding in your area?
