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130,000 People Wake Up in the Dark After Midnight Storms Smash Through Illinois and Indiana — Could You Be Next

130,000 People Wake Up in the Dark After Midnight Storms Smash Through Illinois and Indiana — Could You Be Next

Just after midnight, while most were fast asleep, a line of fierce thunderstorms tore through Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana — flipping the switch on modern life for more than 130,000 residents. In just a few stormy hours, power lines snapped, transformers blew, and entire neighborhoods plunged into darkness.

The overnight storms, which packed violent winds and intense bursts of lightning, brought widespread chaos to the region. Some communities woke to blinking clocks, others to silence and heat as AC units failed. For many, it wasn’t just a bad weather event — it was a harsh reminder of how fast things can change.

Lights Out in Northern Illinois: ComEd Scrambles as Thousands Left Powerless

ComEd, the main electricity provider for Northern Illinois, reported more than 55,000 outages early Friday, with over 1,360 active outage zones still being worked on throughout the day. Downed power lines littered streets in suburban areas and parts of Chicago’s outskirts, with reports of fallen branches, damaged poles, and lightning-induced fires.

Meanwhile, across the border in Northwest Indiana, NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) faced its own uphill battle. Thousands of customers were left in the dark as technicians worked overtime to identify faults and restore grid stability.

Residents across both states were left grappling with the heat, the dark, and the uncertainty. For many, the only source of light came from their phone screens.

Emergency Crews in Action: “It Was a Long Night”

As trees toppled and transformers failed, emergency response teams mobilized quickly. Crews cleared blocked roads, cut away branches tangled in power lines, and rerouted traffic around damaged infrastructure.

Fire departments across several counties reported being dispatched to multiple locations — not just for storm cleanup, but also for fire alarms triggered by power surges and faulty equipment.

Authorities issued a strong warning: Stay away from any downed wires or flooded areas, as many power lines could still be live and pose deadly risks.

How Did This Happen So Fast?

Meteorologists explained that the storm system gained strength rapidly as it traveled east, fueled by warm, moist air lingering over the Midwest. With winds gusting near 60 mph, it had enough force to uproot trees and damage unreinforced power systems across both states.

Though the skies cleared by morning, the storm’s damage was already done. Thousands of people started their Friday in the dark, unsure of when power — and normalcy — would return.

Looking Ahead: More Storms Could Be Brewing

While Friday afternoon will see sunshine and rising temperatures across the region, the weather is far from settled. Meteorologists warn that more storm activity is possible over the weekend, especially late Saturday into Sunday.

Utility companies have advised residents to charge devices, stock up on essentials, and prepare for possible additional outages. Keeping flashlights, backup batteries, and portable fans nearby could make a big difference if storms return.

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