High Winds Cause Widespread Damage Across Lake and McHenry Counties

First responders and utility crews work around the clock to address power outages, fallen trees, and other wind-related issues.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

High winds of up to 64 mph have caused widespread damage across Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois, leading to power outages, fallen trees and power lines, and malfunctioning traffic signals. Emergency and utility crews have been inundated with calls since early Friday morning, working to restore power and clear debris. The region remains under a wind advisory, with the potential for more severe weather on the way this weekend.

Why it matters

The high winds have disrupted daily life for thousands of residents and businesses in the region, with power outages, road closures, and transportation issues. The response from first responders and utility crews highlights the importance of preparedness and coordination during extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

The details

The high winds have caused a variety of issues across the region, including power lines and trees falling, traffic signals malfunctioning, and debris being scattered. ComEd, the local utility company, has reported over 1,600 field employees and contractors working around the clock to address the outages, prioritizing critical services like hospitals and emergency services. Crews have also responded to specific incidents, such as a semi-truck caught on power lines in Hainesville and a tree falling on a Metra rail line in Lake Forest.

  • At 5 a.m., Waukegan experienced peak wind gusts of around 51 mph.
  • By 10 a.m., wind gusts in Waukegan had increased to 64 mph.
  • The high wind warning was in effect until 4 p.m. on Friday, with a wind advisory remaining in place.

The players

ComEd

The local utility company that provides electricity to the region. ComEd has reported over 1,600 field employees and contractors working to address the power outages caused by the high winds.

Canadian National (CN) Railway

The railway company that responded to a malfunctioning railroad crossing in Mundelein due to the high winds.

Union Pacific-North (UP-N) rail line

The rail line that was temporarily halted in Lake Forest after a tree fell on the tracks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“High winds can blow trees, vegetation and objects around that interfere with power lines and other equipment.”

— ComEd spokesperson (Lake & McHenry County Scanner)

“The safety of our crews and customers is our top priority. In some cases, high winds can make it difficult for crews to safely assess damage before restoration efforts can begin. Once a storm fully passes, crews are able to complete damage assessments.”

— ComEd spokesperson (Lake & McHenry County Scanner)

“In the meantime, ComEd prioritizes restoration for critical services such as hospitals, nursing homes, fire departments and law enforcement, followed by repairs that restore the greatest number of customers.”

— ComEd spokesperson (Lake & McHenry County Scanner)

What’s next

Weather officials are monitoring a storm system on Sunday and into Monday that is expected to bring damaging wind, a mix of rain and snow, and colder temperatures to the Chicagoland area.

The takeaway

The high winds have highlighted the importance of preparedness and coordination among first responders, utility crews, and local communities in addressing the impacts of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to drive more frequent and severe weather, the region will need to remain vigilant and invest in resilient infrastructure to protect residents and businesses.