RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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As hundreds of thousands of Illinois and northwest Indiana residents remain without power following severe storms that brought at least three tornadoes to the area Tuesday, another threat of severe weather — with potentially twister-like winds — was moving through the area Wednesday.
A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for Joliet, Kankakee, DeKalb until 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Severe weather could bring downpours and gusty winds, though the storms may not be as strong as Tuesday’s storms.
“Most areas are not gonna see severe winds, but if you do, you could see winds as high as 70 miles per hour,” Gino Izzi, a meteorologist with the weather service said.
Residents in Illinois and northwest Indiana were left reeling from Tuesday's storms, where t hree tornadoes with gusts of 86 to 110 mph were confirmed Tuesday: One in southern Cook County, another in eastern Will County, and the third in the Mokena area, also in Will County.
In south suburban Mokena, where one of the three confirmed tornadoes hit, winds took down trees and cut power to many homes.
Rick Johnson, a Mokena resident of more than 30 years, said he’s never experienced so many powerful and destructive storms in a single summer.
“It’s been an odd year,” he said.
With more tornado-like conditions approaching the Chicago area and northwest Indiana, here's what you need to know.
Why are there so many tornadoes in Illinois this year?
So far this year, Illinois has experienced a record number of tornadoes.
Meteorologists say multiple rounds of severe weather this spring and summer have contributed to the elevated tornado count.
Illinois has already broken the state record for most tornadoes in a year. According to preliminary numbers from the National Weather Service, Illinois has recorded 198 tornadoes as of Aug. 11. The highest mark the state recorded before this year was 142 twisters in 2024.
The storm tore off the roof of Midwest Animal Care in Orland Park just north of I-80 on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.
Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times
What should I do after a tornado alert?
Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford said every Midwesterner should have the proper plans in place in the event of severe weather warnings in order to make sure family members are safe, together and know what to do. Things like going down into the basement, if you have one, and keeping your phone and other electronic items charged in case of outages. Also make sure to follow messaging from the National Weather Service.
Some residents admitted they, like Rob Griffin in Lansing, underestimated past storms despite emergency alerts being sent to cellphones and the blaring of tornado sirens.
“I think they’re doing a good job of warning us,” said Griffin, who lost nearly all of his roof during late July’s severe storms . “Hopefully, we, as citizens, will take heed to that.”
Are tornadoes becoming more common in Illinois?
While tornado activity can change from year to year, 2026’s activity has reached the highest point in recent years.
Still, it doesn’t mean Illinois is the new Tornado Alley. Yet.
According to some definitions, Illinois actually has been considered part of Tornado Alley for some time. Initially, the nickname applied to Southwestern states ravaged by twisters in the last century, such as Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Is climate change causing more tornadoes?
The answer isn’t straightforward.
Ford previously told the Sun-Times warmer temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere can create environments that favor stronger thunderstorms.
However, researchers say the relationship between climate change and tornadoes themselves remains less certain.
Ford said a warmer, more humid climate may be contributing to more environments favorable for severe storms, though scientists are still studying exactly how those conditions affect tornado frequency.
Contributing: Mohammad Samra, Elijah James, Brett Chase
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