Geneva, Illinois – The National Weather Service is sending crews to investigate reports of tornado touchdowns following severe storms on Tuesday night. ABC7’s Accuweather Tracy Butler warned of the potential for up to five tornado touchdowns, along with large hail and powerful winds.
In the aftermath of the storms, residents of Essex Court and Pepper Valley Drive in Geneva are divided on whether a tornado or a microburst caused the widespread damage. Trees were torn apart, homes were severely damaged, and reports of a tornado touchdown near Kaneville have yet to be confirmed by fire officials.
The destructive storms left several homeowners grappling with significant damage to their properties – from broken windows to uprooted trees. Geneva Fire Chief Michael Antenore described the scene as multiple blocks in the neighborhood were littered with debris and damage.
Video footage captured apparent funnel clouds in various locations in Illinois, including Sugar Grove, DeKalb, Lee County, and Hoffman Estates. Witnesses described harrowing experiences of fierce winds, loud noises, and debris slamming against their homes.
Mother and daughter, Nancy and Lauryn Kramp, found themselves huddled in their bathroom as the storm intensified in Hoffman Estates. The howling winds and flying debris prompted the Kramps to seek shelter and brace for the impact.
In Mundelein, the storm caused damage to an apartment building in the Washington Court neighborhood. Residents were caught off guard by the sudden onset of severe weather, with some likening the sound of the storm to a freight train barreling through.
As the affected communities begin to assess the extent of the damage, there is uncertainty about the total impact and any potential injuries. The clean-up and recovery efforts are underway, with authorities working diligently to address the aftermath of the destructive storms.