Severe Storms on August 27, 2024: A Detailed Recap of the Impact Across Northern Illinois
On August 27, 2024, Northern Illinois experienced a series of severe thunderstorms that caused widespread damage across several communities, including Wauconda, Des Plaines, Bolingbrook, and Evanston. Particularly notable was the large hail that fell in Woodstock, IL, resulting in significant damage to homes and vehicles.
Meteorological Overview of the Storms
The storms erupted just after 4 PM over Boone and McHenry counties, fueled by an extremely unstable airmass. Temperatures soared into the mid to upper 90s, with oppressive dewpoints in the upper 70s, creating peak heat index readings between 105 and 120 degrees. These conditions set the stage for explosive thunderstorm development, with cloud tops reaching up to 60,000 feet.
The most severe storms produced damaging downburst winds and hailstones over 2 inches in diameter, particularly affecting areas like Woodstock, IL, where hail damage was widespread.
Hail Damage Reports in Woodstock, IL
Woodstock, IL, was hit hard by the hailstorm, with multiple reports of large hailstones causing damage to roofs, vehicles, and other property. Here are some specific hail reports from the area:
- 4 N Marengo (McHenry County): At 10:13 PM, hail measuring 1.75 inches in diameter was reported based on a public photo shared on social media.
- 3 NW Woodstock (McHenry County): At 10:20 PM, hail of 1 inch in diameter was observed near the intersection of Route 14 and Rose Farm Road, relayed by the county Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
- 2 S Woodstock (McHenry County): At 10:29 PM, a video on social media showed hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter falling approximately 2 miles south of Woodstock.
- 1 SSW Woodstock (McHenry County): Also at 10:29 PM, hail of 1.75 inches in diameter was reported near Route 14 and Dean Street, relayed by the county EMA.
These hailstones caused extensive damage, particularly to roofs and vehicles, highlighting the importance of scheduling prompt inspections and repairs.
Wind Damage and Severe Storm Impact Across Other Areas
The severe storms on August 27, 2024, also brought destructive winds, particularly in Wauconda, Des Plaines, Bolingbrook, and Evanston. Here are some of the key wind damage reports:
- Wauconda (Lake County): At approximately 11:00 PM, winds reaching 80 mph were reported, causing extensive tree and property damage. A microburst in the area led to downed power lines and blocked roads.
- Des Plaines (Cook County): Just before midnight, storm winds caused significant damage to trees and buildings, particularly around Mount Prospect Road.
- Evanston (Cook County): Around 12:48 AM, public reports confirmed multiple large tree branches downed near Northwestern University, with private weather stations recording gusts up to 62 mph.
- Bolingbrook (Will County): By 1:30 AM, photos on social media showed roofing blown off businesses near Schmidt and Boughton Roads, with additional reports of downed trees and power lines.
Wind Damage Reports:
- 1 NNE Ottawa (La Salle County):
- Time: 2:36 PM
- Description: Power outages, downed tree branches, and a flipped picnic table.
- Union (McHenry County):
- Time: 10:25 PM
- Description: Main Street blocked south of Park Street due to downed power lines.
- 2 NNW Wauconda (Lake County):
- Time: 11:00 PM
- Description: Large limbs down with measured 80 mph winds from handheld anemometer. Penny-sized hail also reported.
- 1 NNW Wauconda (Lake County):
- Time: 11:05 PM
- Description: Extensive storm damage reported in Wauconda associated with a microburst that caused wind speeds up to 80 mph.
- 1 NW Wauconda (Lake County):
- Time: 11:08 PM
- Description: Multiple public reports of tree damage near Wauconda.
- 1 NW Wauconda (Lake County):
- Time: 11:08 PM
- Description: Large tree limb downed near Indian Ridge Trail and Pine Street. Additional tree damage reported on Main Street and Garland Road.
- 1 NE Long Grove (Lake County):
- Time: 11:12 PM
- Description: Power lines downed along Aptakisic Road in Long Grove.
- 1 SW Rolling Meadows (Cook County):
- Time: 11:17 PM
- Description: Large tree branch at least 12 inches in diameter snapped. Time estimated by radar.
- 1 SSW Mount Prospect (Cook County):
- Time: 11:24 PM
- Description: Large sections of trees and fences blown down near and along S Lancaster Avenue.
- 1 SSE Bannockburn (Lake County):
- Time: 11:29 PM
- Description: Large tree limb blocking a roadway near Aitken Drive and Meadow Drive.
- Highland Park (Lake County):
- Time: 11:34 PM
- Description: 12-inch diameter branch snapped. Time estimated by radar.
- 1 ENE Evanston (Cook County):
- Time: 11:48 PM
- Description: Multiple large tree branches downed along Orrington Avenue and Sheridan Road near Northwestern University.
- 1 ESE Evanston (Cook County):
- Time: 11:49 PM
- Description: Private weather station KILEVANS56 reported a 62 mph gust in Evanston.
- 2 SW Crystal Lake (McHenry County):
- Time: 11:53 PM
- Description: Large branch downed on Buckingham Drive near McHenry Avenue.
- 3 NE Navy Pier (Cook County):
- Time: 12:02 AM
- Description: Harrison-Dever Crib reported a 52-knot gust.
- 1 NW Prospect Heights (Cook County):
- Time: 12:19 AM
- Description: Large tree branches downed onto IL-83 south of Palatine Road.
- 1 SW Deerfield (Lake County):
- Time: 12:20 AM
- Description: Multiple public reports of tree damage in Deerfield, including large branches downed and at least one tree uprooted.
- 1 NW Glendale Heights (DuPage County):
- Time: 12:23 AM
- Description: Multiple power lines downed in Glendale Heights.
- 1 NW Rosemont (Cook County):
- Time: 12:37 AM
- Description: Damage to building roofs on the northeastern side of O’Hare Airport. An Amazon trailer was blown over, and a street sign with two 4×4 posts was snapped.
- 2 WSW Des Plaines (Cook County):
- Time: 12:38 AM
- Description: Trees and tree branches downed along Mount Prospect Road between Golf and Touhy Roads.
- 2 NW O’Hare Airport (Cook County):
- Time: 12:39 AM
- Description: Mesonet equipment on the northwest side of O’Hare Airport recorded a 59 mph gust.
- Brookfield (Cook County):
- Time: 12:59 AM
- Description: Large tree branch at least 6 inches in diameter snapped and partially laid on a house.
- 1 WNW Bolingbrook (Will County):
- Time: 1:30 AM
- Description: A portion of roofing blew off of a nearby business and was lying in the street near Schmidt and Boughton Roads.
- 1 NNE Romeoville (Will County):
- Time: 1:37 AM
- Description: Road closed due to storm damage.
- 2 NE Romeoville (Will County):
- Time: 1:38 AM
- Description: IL-53 closed due to tree branches and power lines downed.
- Biggsville (Henderson County):
- Time: 2:40 AM
- Description: Estimated 60 mph wind gust, downed fencing.
- 1 E Bolingbrook (Will County):
- Time: 2:40 AM
- Description: Public report of a large tree branch broken and possible damage to power lines in Bolingbrook.
- 2 E Bolingbrook (Will County):
- Time: 2:44 AM
- Description: Tree down at Humphrey Middle School, diameter 5-7 inches. Some roofing damage along Pinecrest Road.
- 1 S Keithsburg (Mercer County):
- Time: 2:57 AM
- Description: Report of a tree blown down and blocking both lanes of 82nd Street south of Keithsburg.
- Raritan (Henderson County):
- Time: 3:00 AM
- Description: Report of damage to a building on Main Street. Several tree limbs down throughout town.
- Mc Nabb (Putnam County):
- Time: 3:10 AM
- Description: 3-inch diameter branch blown down in a yard.
- Princeville (Peoria County):
- Time: 3:24 AM
- Description: Estimated 60 mph wind gust.
- 2 E Naplate (La Salle County):
- Time: 3:35 AM
- Description: Public report of tree damage in Naplate.
- 1 NNE Ottawa (La Salle County):
- Time: 3:36 AM
- Description: Corrects previous report. Public report of power outages, downed tree branches, and a flipped picnic table.
Immediate Steps for Affected Homeowners
If your property was affected by the severe storms on August 27, 2024, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate further damage:
- Document the Damage: Take photographs of all affected areas, including roofs, siding, windows, and any interior damage caused by leaks. This documentation is essential for insurance claims.
- Schedule an Inspection: Contact a local roofing and restoration company to perform a thorough inspection of your property. Allied Emergency Services, INC. offers comprehensive inspections to identify all damage, even that which may not be immediately visible.
- File an Insurance Claim: Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with the necessary documentation and estimates for repairs.
- Perform Emergency Repairs: If there are immediate threats to the safety of your home, such as exposed roofs or broken windows, temporary repairs should be conducted to prevent further damage.
Why Choose Allied Emergency Services, INC. for Storm Damage Repairs
Allied Emergency Services, INC. is your trusted partner for storm damage inspections and repairs in Woodstock, IL, and the surrounding areas. With our deep understanding of local weather patterns and building codes, we ensure all repairs are performed to the highest standards of safety and quality. Our services include:
- Prompt Response: We are available 24/7 to respond to storm damage emergencies, minimizing the impact on your home.
- Comprehensive Inspections: Our detailed inspections cover all aspects of storm damage, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
- Insurance Repairs: We work closely with your insurance company to streamline the restoration process.
- IRC Compliance: All repairs are completed in accordance with the International Residential Code (IRC), ensuring your home is safe and compliant.
For immediate service or consultation, you may contact us at Allied Emergency Services, INC.
Contact Information:
Phone: 1-800-792-0212
Email: Info@AlliedEmergencyServices.com
Location: Serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana with a focus on the greater Chicago area.
If you require immediate assistance or have specific questions, our human support is readily available to help you.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. For professional advice, consult experts in the field.
