Published on: June 12, 2026
At least one person has died as a powerful storm system and multiple tornadoes swept through the US Midwest for two consecutive days, causing widespread power outages, damage to homes and infrastructure, and disrupting thousands of flights.
According to CBS News and AP, by the evening of June 11, approximately 11 cities in Illinois and Wisconsin had reported tornadoes. Wind gusts reached up to 75 mph in Mason City and 70 mph in Morton and Washington, Illinois.
In Illinois, over 221,000 customers were without power on the morning of June 12, according to data from PowerOutage.us.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that multiple tornadoes appeared in rural areas southwest of Chicago. The city of Streator, about 160 km from Chicago, suffered significant damage with many structures severely impacted.
Streator Mayor Tara Bedei stated that the city did not report any fatalities. Rescue teams promptly launched response efforts after the tornadoes passed.
While reporting from the scene, journalist and storm chaser Scott Lasker participated in rescuing a man trapped under rubble after hearing cries for help from the victim's family.
The severe storms also heavily impacted air travel. Chicago's two major airports, O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, had to temporarily suspend operations multiple times. Over 1,000 flights to and from Chicago were canceled or delayed. Airports in Philadelphia, New York City, and Newark also reported disruptions due to bad weather.
The deceased victim was identified as a 54-year-old man living in a makeshift camp in a park in Des Moines. Police stated that he was hit by a large falling tree during the storm on June 11. There have been no official reports of additional fatalities.
In Springfield, two buildings of the Animal Protective League animal shelter had their roofs torn off and sustained heavy damage. However, nearly 150 cats and 28 dogs housed there were all safe. Local residents assisted in temporarily taking in all the animals.
Beyond the Midwest, the National Weather Service warned of a dangerous heatwave affecting the US East Coast. Temperatures in many areas from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast are expected to exceed 35°C, with real-feel temperatures potentially over 38°C due to high humidity.
Philadelphia declared a public health emergency due to the heatwave, opening cooling centers and implementing support programs for the homeless and elderly. New York officials also urged residents to drink plenty of water and seek air-conditioned spaces to avoid heatstroke.
Source: CBS News, Associated Press (June 12, 2026)
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