Fast-moving storm downs power lines, damages store

A strong storm Tuesday afternoon raked Elgin, damaging buildings and downing trees and power lines, Elgin police said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Elgin police say they began receiving calls at 2:25 p.m. regarding a possible microburst -- which tore a hole in at least one building, and blew trees and power lines across streets.

"It was amazing the sheer force of the winds," assistant city manager Sean Stegall said. "The trees in the civic plaza were bent in a 90-degree angle. It happened and then it was over."

Stegall said city workers were out assessing the damage.

"They were to be provided with whatever resources they need to take care of the cleanup," he said.

The damage was largely confined to the city's downtown and southwest side, according to preliminary reports.

Abbey Tri-State Carpet owner Ron Benzschawel said the storm blew off part of the roof and destroyed an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in inventory at his building on Fleetwood Drive.

"There was no warning," Benzschawel said. "Just bam, there it was. The power went out right away. Just a tremendous storm."

He said the business should be up and running again in a day or two.

Elsewhere, emergency personnel were out responding to a dozen or more calls of downed power lines and tree limbs blocking streets.

There was also a report of lightning striking a home on Maureen Drive.

"An inordinate amount of calls," said Terry Bruce, battalion chief with the Elgin fire department.

But the city didn't sustain any significant damage outside of what happened at Abbey Carpet, Bruce said.

"A lot of trees down and that," he said. "Wires. I'm sure ComEd's problems are going to run up pretty high. Nothing major."