national
Severe Thunderstorms and Suspected Tornadoes Cause Power Outages and Damage Across the Midwest
Just the facts
Severe weather including wind gusts exceeding 80 mph and at least three suspected tornadoes pummeled parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The storms knocked out electricity to nearly 1 million utility customers and prompted ground stops and thousands of flight delays at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. Significant structural damage and downed trees were reported in Chicago suburbs including Tinley Park, Flossmoor, and Homewood. In Portage, Indiana, a home explosion occurred during the storm, killing one person, while weather-related fatalities were also reported in Ohio due to emergency response delays caused by localized flooding.
Why this is news
A severe weather system containing high winds and suspected tornadoes passed through several Midwestern states on August 11, 2026.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.