Severe Storms Unleash Tornadoes and High Winds Across U.S.

WHO:

CBS News - Illinois State Police reported major structural damage in Streator, Illinois.

FOX Weather - The Storm Prediction Center issued a Tornado Watch for portions of five states, covering 13.8 million Americans.

WHAT:

CBS News - A confirmed tornado emergency was issued in Washburn, Illinois, before it weakened into a warning that traveled into Streator and Dwight.

CBS News - A rare tornado emergency was issued just outside of LaSalle County for a short time for a large and strong tornado on the ground.

CBS News - The greatest danger for tornadoes and severe storms is between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

CBS News - The National Weather Service warns that the threat for tornadoes is notably higher than typical during severe weather events due to heat, humidity, and strong winds in the atmosphere.

CBS News - The Chicago area was upgraded to a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms, marking the first such upgrade since July 15, 2024.

FOX Weather - A tornado watch remains in effect for Cook, DuPage, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Lake, and Will counties in Illinois until 9 p.m., and for LaPorte County, Indiana, until 1 a.m. CT.

FOX Weather - More than 135,000 customers across Illinois are without power due to severe storms.

FOX Weather - Wind gusts reached 75 mph in Illinois, with a peak gust of 94 mph recorded in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

CBS News - A tornado emergency was issued for Marshall County, Illinois, due to a dangerous tornado, affecting the communities of La Rose, Toluca, and Wenona.

CBS News - A confirmed tornado was reported in Union Grove, Wisconsin, which is west of Racine.

CBS News - The Chicago area was upgraded to a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms, marking the first such upgrade since July 15, 2024.

CBS News - A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire Chicago area and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana until 11 p.m.

CBS News - A ground stop has been issued at O'Hare International Airport until 7:15 p.m., grounding all flights headed to O'Hare due to the storms.

FOX Weather - A tornado watch remains in effect for Cook, DuPage, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Lake, and Will counties in Illinois until 9 p.m., and for LaPorte County, Indiana, until 1 a.m. CT.

CBS News - Multiple tornadoes have been reported in the far west and southwest suburbs of Chicago.

CBS News - A confirmed deadly tornado emergency was issued in Washburn, Illinois.

CBS News - There have been 10 reports of tornadoes in Illinois, including Streator, Low Point, Ancona, Ransom, and Reddick.

FOX Weather - More than 135,000 customers across Illinois are without power due to severe storms.

FOX Weather - A tornado emergency was issued for Marshall County, Illinois, due to a dangerous tornado.

FOX Weather - Wind gusts reached 75 mph in Illinois, with a peak gust of 94 mph recorded in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

WHERE:

CBS News - Major structural damage was reported on the south side of Streator, Illinois.

CBS News - Tornadoes reported in Streator, Reading, and Dwight, Illinois; Union Grove, Wisconsin; and parts of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in Illinois.

CBS News - Major structural damage was reported on the south side of Streator, Illinois.

CBS News - Tornadoes reported in Streator, Reading, and Dwight, Illinois; Union Grove, Wisconsin; and parts of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in Illinois.

FOX Weather - The Tornado Watch includes cities in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

WHEN:

CBS News - A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire Chicago area until 11 p.m.

CBS News - A Tornado Warning is in effect for parts of Cook County until 8:45 p.m. CT and for parts of LaPorte County, Indiana, until 8:45 p.m. CT.

CBS News - The tornado watch for LaPorte County, Indiana, is in effect until 1 a.m. CT.

CBS News - A Tornado Warning is in effect for parts of Cook County until 8:45 p.m. CT and for parts of LaPorte County, Indiana, until 8:45 p.m. CT.

CBS News - A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire Chicago area until 11 p.m.

FOX Weather - The Tornado Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. CT.

WHY:

CBS News - The National Weather Service warns that the threat for tornadoes is notably higher than typical due to heat, humidity, and strong winds in the atmosphere.

CBS News - The National Weather Service warns that the threat for tornadoes is notably higher than typical during severe weather events due to heat, humidity, and strong winds in the atmosphere.

HOW:

CBS News - Residents are advised to seek shelter in a basement or interior room in the lowest level of their home during a tornado warning.

FOX Weather - The severe weather outbreak is driven by a combination of intense atmospheric energy and a cold front colliding with warm, unstable air.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 10:21 UTC)

A confirmed tornado emergency was issued in Washburn, Illinois, before it weakened into a warning that moved into Streator and Dwight, where significant structural damage has been reported. The National Weather Service has raised the risk for severe storms in the Chicago area to a Level 4 out of 5, marking the first such upgrade since July 15, 2024, and a tornado watch is currently in effect for several counties until 9 p.m. Residents are urged to seek shelter in a basement or interior room during tornado warnings, as the threat for tornadoes is notably higher due to heat, humidity, and strong winds in the atmosphere.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 06:33 UTC)

A tornado emergency has been issued for Marshall County, Illinois, affecting the communities of La Rose, Toluca, and Wenona, while a confirmed tornado has also been reported in Union Grove, Wisconsin. The Chicago area is now under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms, the first upgrade of this kind since July 15, 2024, and a Flood Watch is in effect for the region until 11 p.m. Additionally, a ground stop has been implemented at O'Hare International Airport until 7:15 p.m., and a tornado watch remains active for several counties in Illinois and LaPorte County, Indiana, due to heightened tornado threats from current atmospheric conditions.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 04:28 UTC)

Major structural damage has been reported in Streator, Illinois, as multiple tornadoes have touched down in the far west and southwest suburbs of Chicago, prompting a deadly tornado emergency in Washburn. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch covering portions of five states, impacting 13.8 million Americans, while over 135,000 customers across Illinois are currently without power due to severe storms. Residents are urged to seek shelter in a basement or interior room, as the National Weather Service warns that the threat for tornadoes is significantly heightened by the current atmospheric conditions.