The evening witnessed multiple tornado touchdowns in the western suburbs as a cluster of strong thunderstorms raced through the area. Reports of tornado touchdowns near Sugar Grove, Aurora, and farther west added to the chaos. The severe weather prompted a ground stop at O'Hare International Airport and left 674 customers without power as of 7:30 p.m. A Tornado Watch was issued for several counties in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin until 10 p.m. If you're in a tornado warning area, it's crucial to seek shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest level of your home until the warning passes. Meanwhile, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect for Lake County, Indiana, until 9:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service confirmed tornado touchdowns in Kane County, with reports of damage to trees, power poles, and fencing at Waubonsee Community College. The Kane County Sheriff's Office reported four tornado touchdowns in North Aurora and Sugar Grove, urging people to avoid these areas due to dangerous conditions and damage. Despite the severe weather, earlier in the day, Chicago experienced near-record temperatures, making it feel more like June than February. Many took advantage of the warm weather, with people playing chess by the lakefront, trading ice skates for roller skates, and enjoying outdoor activities. Some even went for a swim in Lake Michigan.
The warm weather brought joy to many, with residents expressing happiness at the sight of the sun after weeks of cloudy days in January. Businesses also benefited from the warm spell, with restaurants experiencing a surge in outdoor dining. While the storms brought chaos, the warm weather provided a brief reprieve from winter, with some hoping it would last until June.
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