Trending Now - Midwest Tornado Outbreak Causes Widespread Destruction

WHO:

NBC News - More than three dozen tornadoes reported in seven states.

WHAT:

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Friday’s storms marked the third round of thunderstorms in the week of April 17th, 2026, with the first round on April 14th and the second round on April 15th.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The Algonquin Police Department reported that the Fox River is expected to crest at 11.8 feet by 7:00 a.m. on April 22nd, 2026.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - A car became submerged in a ditch on North Stanton Point Road in Ingleside at around 3:50 p.m. on April 18th, 2026, but all occupants were out of the car when emergency responders arrived.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - “Nearly two inches of rain fell in some areas,” according to Lake County officials.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The storms entered McHenry County beginning around 7:30 p.m. on April 17th, 2026, and Lake County at around 8:00 p.m. on April 17th, 2026.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency (MCEMA) received a report of debris in the air near Route 173 and White Oaks Road, which is west of Harvard.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - A tree reportedly hit a power line and fell into the roadway at Cary Road and Deerpath Road in Algonquin.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Heavy rainfall exacerbated flooding concerns for towns along the Fox River and Des Plaines River, including Algonquin and Gurnee.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The Fox River from the Illinois-Wisconsin border to Kendall County was closed to boaters due to unsafe conditions.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - As of April 19th, 2026, water levels along the Des Plaines River are expected to peak between April 18th and April 19th, 2026, before gradually receding.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Severe thunderstorms rolled through Lake and McHenry counties for the third time in the week of April 17th, 2026, prompting tornado warnings and causing major flooding.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The storm containing rotation passed through the Harvard, Alden, and Wonder Lake areas in McHenry County.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The Algonquin Police Department reported that the Fox River is currently at 11.18 feet and is expected to crest at 11.8 feet by 7:00 a.m. on April 22nd, 2026.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Nearly two inches of rain fell in some areas, exacerbating flooding concerns in Lake County.

NBC News - Tornadoes caused major destruction across the Midwest.

CBS News - Millions are under the threat of severe weather, with a tornado risk extending from Tennessee to New York.

WHERE:

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - The intersection of Route 21 and Route 176 in Libertyville was flooded on April 18th, 2026.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Old Grand Avenue between Grand Avenue and O’Plaine Road and Kilbourne Road between Grand Avenue and Route 41 were closed on April 18th, 2026, due to flooding.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Grand Avenue and Vineyard Drive in Gurnee, Peterson Road west of Route 45 in Libertyville, Route 59 from Route 22 to Scott Road in North Barrington, and Washington Street west of Hainesville Road in Round Lake Park also experienced flooding.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Flooding was reported at the intersection of Route 21 and Route 176 in Libertyville and several neighborhood streets in Grandwood Park.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Old Grand Avenue between Grand Avenue and O’Plaine Road and Kilbourne Road between Grand Avenue and Route 41 were closed on April 18th, 2026, due to flooding.

NBC News - Tornadoes affected seven states in the Midwest region of the United States.

CBS News - Tornado risk spans from Tennessee to New York.

WHEN:

CBS News - Tornado activity reported on Friday, April 17th, 2026.

CBS News - Severe weather forecasted for Saturday, April 18th, 2026.

WHY:

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - “Flood concerns continue for the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes as water flows downstream from Wisconsin and additional rainfall moves through the region,” according to officials.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner - Flood concerns continue for the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes as water flows downstream from Wisconsin and additional rainfall is expected to move through the region, increasing levels into the week of April 19th, 2026.

CBS News - Severe weather conditions are contributing to the tornado risk.

HOW:

CBS News - Multiple funnel clouds whipped across several states, indicating the presence of tornadoes.

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 21:05 UTC)

Severe thunderstorms have hit the region multiple times this week, with the latest round occurring on Friday, and nearly two inches of rain reported in some areas. The Algonquin Police Department anticipates that the Fox River will crest at 11.8 feet by 7:00 a.m. April 22nd, while flooding has already caused road closures, including the intersection of Route 21 and Route 176 in Libertyville. Officials warn that flood concerns persist for the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes as water continues to flow downstream from Wisconsin and more rain is expected.

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 11:06 UTC)

Severe storms swept through McHenry County starting around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, bringing reports of debris in the air near Route 173 and a fallen tree on power lines in Algonquin. Flooding has become a significant concern, particularly along the Fox River and Des Plaines River, leading to road closures in several towns, including Gurnee and Libertyville, as water levels are expected to peak soon. As additional rainfall is anticipated, officials are closely monitoring conditions, especially for the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes, where levels are likely to rise further into the week.

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 09:10 UTC)

Severe thunderstorms swept through Lake and McHenry counties for the third time this week, prompting tornado warnings and causing significant flooding. Areas like Harvard, Alden, and Wonder Lake experienced storms with rotation, while the Algonquin Police Department reported the Fox River is currently at 11.18 feet and expected to crest at 11.8 feet by early Tuesday morning. Flooding has been reported at various locations, including the intersection of Route 21 and Route 176 in Libertyville, and concerns persist as additional rainfall is anticipated to impact the region further.

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 01:20 UTC)

More than three dozen tornadoes have been reported across seven states in the Midwest, causing significant destruction. Millions of people are currently under the threat of severe weather, with a tornado risk extending from Tennessee to New York, following the tornado activity that began on Friday, on Friday. Severe weather conditions are fueling this risk, as multiple funnel clouds have been spotted across the affected areas.