Live updates: Vicious storms target the Northeast after derecho blasts the Midwest with 90 mph winds

A multi-day severe weather outbreak has caused widespread destruction across the Midwest and Northeast, including a confirmed tornado in Streator, Illinois, and a storm-related fatality in Polk County, Iowa. According to city officials and the National Weather Service, the system produced a 350-mile derecho with peak winds of 94 mph, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and triggering ground stops at major aviation hubs including Chicago O’Hare and New York’s JFK.

Mayor Tara Bedei of Streator, Illinois, confirmed Thursday evening that no fatalities were reported after a tornado moved through the community. City officials stated the storm caused heavy damage in several areas and forced the closure of Illinois Route 18 due to hazardous conditions.

In Iowa, the Polk County Emergency Management Agency confirmed a man died in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Des Moines after a tree fell on him. Emergency responders in the region are managing widespread infrastructure disruptions and reports of windborne debris, including tossed trampolines.

What happened during the Midwest derecho?

A massive derecho carved a 350-mile path of destruction from Iowa to Indiana on Wednesday, according to the FOX Forecast Center. The storm is officially classified as a derecho because its damage swath exceeded 250 miles in length and 60 miles in width.

Peak wind gusts reached 94 mph in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, while downtown Chicago and parts of northern Illinois recorded gusts of 85 mph. The system left more than 500,000 customers without power across five states, with Illinois bearing the brunt of the blackouts.

The scale of the event was historic. Data from the FOX Forecast Center ranks June 10 as the third-busiest day for severe storms this year, with 410 official reports of tornadoes, high winds, and large hail.

Did You Know? June 10 ranks as the third-most active severe weather day of the year so far, trailing only March 15 (620 reports) and April 17 (529 reports).

How severe are the current power outages?

Power outages remain critical across the Midwest as secondary storms strike already vulnerable grids. According to PowerOutage.us, more than 135,000 customers in Illinois were without power Thursday evening, including 97,000 in Cook County.

Iowa’s power grid has faced repeated blows. In Mills County, PowerOutage.com reported that 51% of residents were without electricity following a new wave of morning storms on Thursday.

In Wisconsin, the American Red Cross is assisting families in Horicon after severe weather caused substantial structural damage. In Lomira, straight-line winds ripped the entire roof off the Mary Lane Apartments.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the “high ceiling, low floor” forecasting challenge creates significant risk for infrastructure. When storms hit saturated ground and already compromised power grids, the potential for catastrophic failure and flash flooding increases exponentially.

Which airports are facing delays?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented several ground stops and delay programs to manage the storm outbreak. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) saw average delays of 159 minutes, impacting major carriers like United and American Airlines.

Similar disruptions hit other hubs. The FAA issued ground delay programs for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), as well as John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) in New York, where average delays hovered around one hour.

Travelers faced a “domino effect” as the FAA rerouted planes around storm walls. This created bottlenecks even in areas where local skies appeared clear.

What is the threat to the Northeast and I-95 corridor?

More than 47 million people are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through midnight for portions of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The FOX Forecast Center warns that the strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and torrential downpours.

Man rescued from collapsed home after Streator, Illinois tornado

A searing heat wave is priming the atmosphere in the Northeast. Actual temperatures hit 90°F in New York and 93°F in Washington, with heat index values exceeding 100 degrees in some areas.

Forecasters warn that these storms may act as “atmospheric sponges,” potentially dumping 3 to 6 inches of rain rapidly. This creates a high risk for flash flooding in urban areas and low-lying roads along the I-95 corridor.

What may happen next?

The severe weather threat is likely to shift east overnight, according to FOX Weather. Residents in the interior Northeast may continue to face risks of EF-0+ tornadoes and wind gusts exceeding 65 mph.

Utility crews in Illinois and Iowa may face delays in restoration efforts if additional storms track over saturated ground. Meteorologists expect the atmosphere to remain volatile, with a greater risk for severe weather hazards possible on Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were there any deaths in Streator, Illinois?
No. Mayor Tara Bedei confirmed there were no reported fatalities following the tornado that hit the community.

What was the strongest wind gust recorded during the derecho?
The strongest peak wind gust was 94 mph, recorded in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

How many people are currently under the Severe Thunderstorm Watch in the Northeast?
More than 47 million people across six states are under the watch.

How is your community preparing for the increasing frequency of severe weather outbreaks?