Tornado Devastates Hickory Hills and Calumet City Areas

Residents of Hickory Hills and Bridgeview faced severe damage when a tornado tore through their area, leaving visible destruction in its wake. The National Weather Service confirmed Monday that a tornado with wind speeds between 111 and 135 mph touched down in the area Thursday night.

Melissa Alvarez, a resident of the affected apartment building, described scenes of devastation, including a roof ripped off and debris impaled into structures. The tornado moved from Hickory Hills to the Midway Airport area. It was part of a series of 17 tornadoes that impacted the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Power was finally restored to Alvarez’s building by Sunday night, allowing her return. The building’s roof was obliterated during the storm, and the status of subsequent safety inspections is unclear.

Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley shared his experience during the storm. He was attending a City Council meeting when it struck. The next day, he realized the extent of the damage through photos sent by residents. The storm knocked out power, caused a water main break, and felled several utility poles.

“You could actually feel like the windows being sucked in,” Howley said.

Thankfully, the storm resulted in no injuries or fatalities in the town. Despite the devastation, roughly 12% of the town remained without power as of Monday. City officials, including Police and Public Works departments, worked tirelessly to clean up debris. Howley also issued warnings about potential scammers offering fraudulent services for tree removal.

In Calumet City, residents faced a similar fate as powerful storms swept through, toppling trees and causing extensive property damage. The Calumet City Emergency Services and Disaster Agency reported significant damage to residential areas.

Mayor Thaddeus Jones remarked on the unprecedented nature of the storm, noting that it took down century-old trees and caused power outages. One such tree landed on a woman’s house, cutting off gas and power lines. The woman was hospitalized and later released, though her house faced demolition due to the damage.

The storms that weekend inflicted widespread damage throughout Illinois and Indiana, with a confirmed 17 tornadoes. Calumet City officials have mobilized support for displaced residents, organizing teams from the Police and Fire departments along with tree services.

Mayor Jones emphasized community resilience, noting that many residents reached out for assistance and expressed gratitude for the city’s efforts. To ensure resident safety, the Emergency Services Department advised caution near downed trees and utility lines.