Storms with big winds, hail hit suburbs

Severe thunderstorms blew through the suburbs Wednesday night, bringing strong wind gusts and hail around the area.

The National Weather Service said a severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts was detected in Richmond after 9 p.m. and heading southeast. “People and animals outdoors will be injured,” said the warning that expired at 10 p.m.

Hail 2 inches wide later was seen in Lake Villa.

Hail a couple of inches wide earlier was reported in Kane County suburbs such as Hampshire, and wind gusts were reported at 60 mph. The storm delayed the Dundee-Crown High School baseball game.

The weather service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Northwest suburbs and Lake County and DuPage County suburbs, including Elgin, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Lombard, Carol Stream, Addison and Vernon Hills.

The weather service warning that expired at 8 p.m. warned: “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage.”

The Federal Aviation Administration advised that arriving flights at O'Hare International Airport may be delayed by 85 minutes on average. There were reports of flight cancellations at O'Hare, too.

Flyers were advised to check with their airline to see if delays will affect them.

There were reports of strong winds and quarter-size hail near Midway Airport, with damage to trees, vehicles, light poles and houses, including portions of torn roofs, according to ABC 7 Chicago.