A powerful line of thunderstorms moved across northern Illinois during the afternoon of June 30th producing wind damage.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS LOT wrote it up.
A powerful line of thunderstorms moved across northern Illinois during the afternoon of June 30th producing wind damage.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Chicago, IL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 30, 9:47 AM CST, 2 hours 3 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, IL 1047 AM CDT Sun Jun 30 2019 .MESOSCALE DISCUSSION... 1046 AM CDT The western edge of the complex has been eroding a bit as outflow surges south through MN. Meanwhile for the time being the MCS is still somewhat balanced across WI. Upstream of where the MCS is currently, there have been reports of 45-50 mph winds per ASOS/AWOS obs, but now starting to get reports of some potential tree damage in WI. Radar presentation via MKX has shown a bit better wind signature and storm tops are now up to in excess of 60K feet, an the IR signature in the core of the MCS is equally impressive. Meanwhile south of the complex we continue to destabilize as warm/moist air advects from Iowa into Illinois. 850-300 mb thickness and the instability gradient would suggest that main complex will track into possibly the northern and central metro where convective complex will encounter the somewhat stationary surface boundary inland from Lake Michigan. No reason to suggest the complex will completely dissipate as MLCAPE continues to increase and the cap will be minimal across IL this afternoon, except possibly across the immediate lakeshore. This would then promote an eventual southward shift across the area this afternoon. Expect additional development to be possible farther west as the surface destabilizes fairly quickly, which initially discrete could get advected into the complex later this afternoon. Current timing brings convection to the state-line after noon CDT, into Chicago in the 1:30 time frame, provided no leading development occurs. KMD && .SHORT TERM... 320 AM CDT Through Monday... The main forecast challenge continues to revolve around the timing and strength of thunderstorms over the area later today. Currently, attention for later today is focused on the evolution of the MCS currently ongoing over northern MN. Conceptually, this MCS should begin to trend/develop south-southeastward this morning as it tracks along the eastern periphery of the upper level ridge and along the strong instability gradient. This general evolution is indeed advertised by many of the convective allowing models (CAMs), which does increase confidence in storms moving over northern IL and northwestern IN later today. The main uncertainties at this point revolve around the exact timing and how significant the severe threat may end up. Current trends with the MCS up north suggest that it is very unlikely that storms with this system will reach northern IL prior to midday (18z). For this reason, I have slowed down the chances for storms by a few hours, generally hitting the 18z-21z (1pm to 4 pm) timeframe for storms over northern IL, then gradually sagging southward over my central IL counties after 21z. This should result in a very favorable diurnal timing for the arrival of these storms, as peak heating will be underway. A very unstable atmosphere is expected to develop this afternoon as a corridor of very steep mid-level lapse rates overspreads 70+ degree surface dew points, yielding 3000+ J/KG of MLCAPE. This certainly lends support for these storms to be on an upswing in intensity as they shift into the area this afternoon. While instability will not be a problem today, one potential mitigating factor to a significant severe weather event for the area looks to be the deep layer wind shear. Winds through the column look to remain rather weak, and supporting only 25-30 kt of deeper layer shear. This suggests that the main mode of convection could end up being more in the form of multi cells, rather than a true derecho type event. While this is the case, we will have to consider the possibility of some local augmentation to the background wind field, especially if the parent MCV remains strong as it enters the area later today. If this ends up being the case, then we may see a more organized system moving over northern IL this afternoon. Nevertheless, with the high CAPE environment, these storms will be capable of producing large hail and at least some localized damaging wind risk. The other potential that will have to be monitored is the heavy rain and potential flash flood risk. Certainly if the convection comes through as a forward propagating MCS, the residence time of the heavy rain would be too short for excessive rainfall amounts. However, if several multicells develop over the area with, or even a bit ahead of the main area of convection, then storm motions could be relatively slow (around 10 to 20 mph to the southeast). This may result in at least a some risk of flash flooding, particularly in the urban areas of northern IL. It appears the thunderstorms will shift southward out of the area by late afternoon or very early this evening. Thereafter, convective trends are of low confidence. There is a possibility of more nocturnal storms developing to our northwest along the nose of a low-level jet. If these storms do develop, then they could try to shift into the area very late tonight or on Monday. Due to the low confidence in storm potential during this period, we have left the chances on the low side (30% or less). Aside from the thunderstorm threat through the period, expect very warm and humid conditions across the area again today and on Monday. Temperatures around 90 and heat indices well into the 90s are likely, especially inland from the lake. An onshore wind is expected again today, so areas near the lake will likely remain several degrees cooler (70s to low 80s). However, on Monday, the winds may remain offshore, so the heat and humidity is likely to reach the lake front on Monday. KJB && .LONG TERM... 241 AM CDT Monday night through Saturday... Through much of the upcoming week we should continue to see seasonably warm and humid conditions with at least periodic chances of showers and thunderstorms as the region remains on the periphery of the upper ridge which should move to the southeastern U.S. Strong shortwave trough over southeastern Canada could provide enough oomph to push a cold front south across the area late in the week. The front could provide a focus for greater coverage of convection as it moves through, followed by potentially some less humid conditions with lesser rain chances by Friday into the start of next weekend. Generally speaking it should be a typical summertime set up with ample instability but lacking in shear, so at this point, barring any convective enhancements to shear profiles, looks like many more days this upcoming week with a marginal/low end severe weather threat due to the instability. - Izzi && .AVIATION... For the 12Z TAFs... Cluster of TSRA over northwest Wisconsin will move south-southeast and likely impact the terminals during the early-mid afternoon hours. Prior to storms arrival, look for generally light/variable winds until lake breeze likely results in a wind shift to east around midday at ORD/MDW. Some uncertainty exists regarding the level of organization of storms this afternoon. If activity over Wisconsin weakens significantly this morning, then TSRA over the area this afternoon could be less organized/more scattered in nature and have less of an impact on wind fields. Alternatively, if storms remain well organized over Wisconsin this morning, then line of strong to severe storms would likely move across the terminals early-mid afternoon. This would likely result in a couple hours of varying and potentially strong at time winds which would likely settle to a south or southeasterly direction after storm cluster passes. Depending on the evolution of TSRA today, there is some threat for more SHRA/TSRA later tonight. This is a highly conditional threat and likely to manifest itself at a time with limited impact on operations, so opted to hold off on including TSRA in the TAFs for late tonight yet. Day shift will need to reassess this threat and can introduce TSRA if it still appears warranted. - Izzi && .LOT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... IL...None. IN...None. LM...None. && VISIT US AT HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/CHICAGO (ALL LOWERCASE) FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK...TWITTER...AND YOUTUBE AT: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NWSCHICAGO WWW.TWITTER.COM/NWSCHICAGO WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/NWSCHICAGO
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville IL
1247 PM CDT Sun Jun 30 2019
ILZ003>006-008-010>014-019>023-032-033-039-INZ001-002-010-011-019-
011800-
Winnebago-Boone-McHenry-Lake-Ogle-Lee-De Kalb-Kane-DuPage-Cook-
La Salle-Kendall-Grundy-Will-Kankakee-Livingston-Iroquois-Ford-
Porter-Newton-Jasper-Benton-
1247 PM CDT Sun Jun 30 2019 /147 PM EDT Sun Jun 30 2019/
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North Central
Illinois...Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Significant Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Limited Tornado risk.
Limited hail risk...up to quarter size.
Elevated damaging wind risk...up to 70 mph.
Elevated Flooding Risk.
Limited Excessive heat Risk.
DISCUSSION...
A complex of thunderstorms will continue to move through much of
northern Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana this afternoon.
Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely with this activity, with
strong winds gusts and hail being the primary threats. The
highest threat of strong to severe storms will be across northern
Illinois, though some threat remains across northwest Indiana.
Very heavy rainfall will also accompany these storms, and may lead
to localized flash flooding if multiple storms move over the same
area.
Additional thunderstorms, possibly strong to severe, are possible
this evening through the overnight hours. Very heavy rainfall
may also accompany these storms.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.
Monday and Tuesday...
Limited Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Limited Flooding Risk.
Limited Excessive Heat Risk.
Wednesday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Limited Excessive Heat Risk.
Thursday and Friday...
Elevated Thunderstorm Risk.
Limited Excessive Heat Risk.
Saturday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
DISCUSSION:
There will be daily chances for showers and thunderstorms much of
next week as the area remains in a active weather pattern. Some
strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible at times. Large
hail, damaging winds and very heavy rainfall will all be possible
with the strongest storms.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotters will likely be needed this afternoon.
GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:
Moving toward the southeast at 30 to 40 mph.
LMZ740>745-011800-
Winthrop Harbor to Wilmette Harbor IL-
Wilmette Harbor to Northerly Island IL-
Northerly Island to Calumet Harbor IL-
Calumet Harbor IL to Gary IN-Gary to Burns Harbor IN-
Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN-
1247 PM CDT Sun Jun 30 2019
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Illinois
nearshore waters of Lake Michigan and the Indiana nearshore
waters of Lake Michigan.
.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.
Weather hazards expected...
Significant Thunderstorm Risk...with an associated:
Limited hail risk...up to quarter size.
Elevated thunderstorm wind gust risk...up to 50 knots.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.
Monday and Tuesday...
Limited Severe Thunderstorm Risk.
Wednesday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Thursday...
Elevated Thunderstorm Risk.
Friday and Saturday...
Limited Thunderstorm Risk.
Rodriguez
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www.youtube.com/nwschicagoSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville
1229 PM CDT Sun Jun 30 2019
ILZ003-301830-
Winnebago IL-
1229 PM CDT Sun Jun 30 2019
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WINNEBAGO COUNTY UNTIL 130 PM
CDT...
At 1228 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Orfordville, or 7 miles southeast of Brodhead, moving south at 30
mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, South Beloit, Rockton, Rockford
Airport, Roscoe, Cherry Valley, Winnebago, Pecatonica, Durand, Lake
Summerset, Davis Junction and New Millford.
Including the following interstates...
I-39 between mile markers 115 and 123.
I-90 between mile markers 1 and 2, and between mile markers 61 and
76.
This includes... Rock Cut State Park, Rock Valley College, Rockford
Aviators Baseball, Rockford Speedway, and Winnebago County
Fairgrounds.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for
north central Illinois.
LAT...LON 4249 8894 4215 8894 4215 8917 4221 8917
4220 8940 4250 8940
TIME...MOT...LOC 1728Z 344DEG 25KT 4255 8926
DonofrioThe Milwaukee radar (KMKX), 92 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:48 UTC.
46 thunderstorm wind, 2 flood, 2 heavy rain, 1 funnel cloud, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Multiple trees were blown down in the vicinity of Meridian and West State Roads.
Several trees were blown down along Route 2 between Kennedy Hill Road and Prairie Road.
A tree was blown down near Baxter Road and Route 251.
Numerous large tree limbs were blown down with damage to siding reported.
A tree limb was blown down onto a road.
Numerous tree limbs were blown down, some about 4 inches in diameter.
Minor tree damage was reported.
Trees and power lines were blown down blocking roads in North Barrington and Wauconda.
A large tree was blown down onto power lines.
Numerous large tree limbs were blown down, one eight inches in diameter, near Route 12 and Lake Shore Drive.
A tree was blown down near Main Street and Dundee Avenue.
Multiple large tree limbs were blown down.
A trained spotter provided video and a detailed description of two well defined gustnadoes at the corner of Scott and Dauberman Roads. Debris was blown over 3/4 of a mile to the south.
Numerous tree limbs, up to six inches in diameter, were blown down in the vicinity of Palatine Road and Route 53.
Multiple tree limbs were blown down.
A large commercial sign was blown down onto a car.
A tree was blown down blocking Deerpath Road.
Multiple four inch diameter tree limbs were blown down.
Trees and power lines were blown down near Crescent Blvd and St. Charles Road.
A funnel cloud was reported in the vicinity of Crescent City.
Wind gusts were estimated to 60 mph.
A tree was uprooted near Eola Road.
The top of a large tree was blown off.
Three large tree limbs were blown down with diameters ranging from 6 inches to one foot.
Several tree limbs up to six inches in diameter were snapped.
A large portion of a tree was blown down onto power lines and snapped a utility pole.
Numerous trees were blown down in Morris.
Widespread tree damage was reported in Wilmington. Route 102 was blocked by large trees.
Wind gusts were estimated greater than 60 mph near Route 52.
Many 4 inch diameter tree limbs were blown down throughout Manhattan with a few limbs larger than 8 inches. A couple of 6 inch diameter trees were uprooted and a 2 foot diameter tree was snapped. Two utility poles were leaning. Wind gusts were estimated to 65 mph.
Flooding was reported at the intersection of Holt and Ridge Roads.
Flooding was reported on Theodore Street where it crosses a small creek.
Several photos showed a landspout tornado east southeast of Gilman. No damage was reported.
Widespread tree damage was reported in Streator with tree limbs blown down onto houses and cars.
Tree limbs 6 to 8 inches in diameter were blown down.
A semi truck was blown over on Interstate 57 near mile marker 322.
Multiple large trees were uprooted at the Kankakee Sportsman Club.
Multiple tree limbs 6 to 12 inches in diameter were blown down. A wind gust to 74 mph was measured.
Power lines were blown down, a 30 foot tall tree was snapped and shingles were blown off a roof.
Power lines were blown down.
Numerous trees were blown down in the Momence area including trees blown down onto residences.
Numerous power lines were blown down throughout Pontiac.
A brick wall collapsed and took down a power line.
Power lines were blown down.
Rainfall of 1.33 inches was measured in 40 minutes.
Power lines were blown down near Church Avenue and Bunker Street.
Storm total rainfall of 2.80 inches was measured.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Illinois in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Illinois, 2019Warnings in Illinois, June 2019
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 834888, 834899, 834884, 834892, 834908, 834913, 834918, 834921, 834931, 834926, 834928, 834941, 834951, 834944, 834959, 834960, 835003, 835012, 835018, 836270, 836855, 836310, 836282, 836300, 836311, 836314, 836289, 836305, 836308, 834930, 836859, 836313, 836312, 836652, 836887, 836912, 838296, 836653, 836654, 836655, and more.