Severe Storms Batter McHenry County, Causing Damage

Collapsed home, downed wires, and flooding reported after powerful thunderstorms hit the region.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:20pm

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A sweeping landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting a flooded rural road surrounded by towering storm clouds. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming power and scale of the natural forces at play, with the physical structures and objects dwarfed by the dramatic atmospheric conditions.A powerful storm system leaves its mark on a rural Illinois community, exposing the vulnerability of infrastructure and the need for greater resilience.McHenry Today

Thunderstorms that struck McHenry County, Illinois on Thursday night left a trail of destruction, including a collapsed home, downed power lines, tree damage, and flooding. Emergency responders reported wind gusts up to 60 mph, a tornado warning, and over 1.5 inches of rain, leading to road closures and temporary power outages affecting around 1,200 customers.

Why it matters

The severe weather event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of storms in the Midwest, which can pose serious risks to public safety and infrastructure. Residents and local authorities must remain vigilant and prepared to respond effectively to such extreme weather incidents.

The details

The most significant damage was reported in McHenry, where a portion of a single-family home collapsed, which officials believe was contributed to by the storm. All five occupants, including two young children, were able to escape safely. Downed trees and power lines also led to road closures near Wonder Lake, and flooding was reported in the southeast corner of the county and the Woodstock area. A collapsed street in McHenry was caused by a car driving through a closed construction zone, not the weather.

  • The severe storms hit McHenry County on Thursday night, April 3, 2026.
  • A tornado warning was issued for the northeastern portion of the county on Thursday evening.
  • The county received 1.5 to 3 inches of rain on Thursday.

The players

McHenry Township Fire Protection District

The fire department that responded to the collapsed home incident and coordinated with other agencies.

David Christensen

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency Executive Director.

Lee Carlaw

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Matt Yegge

The Wonder Lake Fire Chief.

ComEd

The electric utility company that reported widespread, temporary power outages affecting around 1,200 customers.

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What they’re saying

“A tornado warning was issued for the northeastern portion of the county Thursday night.”

— Lee Carlaw, Meteorologist, National Weather Service

“Streets in the southeast corner of the county were flooded”

— David Christensen, McHenry County Emergency Management Agency Executive Director

What’s next

The McHenry Building Department is investigating the damage to the collapsed home, and more severe storms are expected to hit the region on Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

The takeaway

This extreme weather event underscores the need for communities in the Midwest to be prepared for the increasing frequency and intensity of storms driven by climate change. Local authorities and residents must work together to strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency response protocols, and enhance public awareness to mitigate the risks posed by such severe weather incidents.