Powerful tornadoes and severe storms swept across parts of the Midwest, leaving at least one person dead, damaging homes and businesses, knocking out power and disrupting travel across the region.
The storm system brought tornadoes to parts of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, with some of the most serious damage reported in Streator, Illinois, about 90 miles southwest of Chicago. The National Weather Service confirmed several tornadoes across northern and central Illinois and northwest Indiana, including strong tornadoes that caused notable damage in multiple communities.
In Streator, 65-year-old Gary Rymek was pulled from the wreckage of his home after a tornado tore through the area. Video from the scene showed rescuers working through debris as Rymek remained trapped beneath rubble.
“I think I’ve got a broken leg,” he could be heard saying while waiting for help.
TRENDING TODAY
Rymek and his wife, Roxann, survived the storm but were injured. Roxann was hurt while trying to help her husband after the collapse. Scott Lasker, a freelance photographer who was documenting the storm damage nearby, heard calls for help and assisted the couple before emergency crews arrived.
Lasker said he was able to move some debris to make Rymek more comfortable until police and additional responders reached the scene.
Rymek later described the tornado as a moment of sudden destruction. He said a door flew out of his hand before the home began falling apart around him. Family members said the couple lost their home, vehicles, medications and medical equipment. Rymek is expected to undergo surgery for a broken ankle.
Officials said Streator suffered major damage, though no deaths were reported in the city. Emergency teams established local response and support operations as residents began assessing the destruction.
The National Weather Service said tornadoes also struck parts of northwest Indiana, including areas near Kouts, Merrillville and Hebron. Some tornadoes were rated strong, with early reports indicating winds powerful enough to destroy structures, damage roofs and bring down trees and power lines.
Across the region, hundreds of homes and buildings were damaged. More than 80,000 customers remained without power in parts of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana after the storms, while utility crews worked to restore electricity.
In Iowa, authorities reported at least one storm-related death in Des Moines. Police said a 54-year-old man died after a tree fell during severe weather at a homeless encampment. He was found critically injured and later died at the scene.
The severe weather also disrupted air travel. More than 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled at major airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, as storms moved through the region and ground stops were issued.
The outbreak is part of a broader stretch of dangerous weather across the United States. While the Midwest dealt with tornado damage, parts of the East Coast and Northeast faced extreme heat and humidity. Forecasters warned that heat index values could make conditions feel near or above 100 degrees in some areas.
Meteorologists said more thunderstorms and severe weather remained possible through the weekend, meaning communities already cleaning up could face additional rainfall, wind and lightning.
The storms highlight how quickly severe weather can turn dangerous, especially when tornadoes develop near populated areas. Even with warnings, residents may have only minutes to take shelter before a tornado strikes.
Local officials urged people in affected areas to avoid damaged roads, stay away from downed power lines and follow emergency guidance as cleanup continues. Damage assessments are expected to continue in the coming days as officials confirm the number and strength of tornadoes.
For families like the Rymeks, the recovery will take far longer. Their survival became one of the most dramatic stories from the outbreak, but their home and much of what they depended on were destroyed in seconds.
Why It Matters
The tornado outbreak matters because it caused deadly and widespread damage across several states, affecting homes, transportation, power systems and vulnerable communities.
It also shows how severe weather risks can overlap with other hazards, including extreme heat, power outages and disruptions to emergency services. For residents without stable housing, such as the man killed in Des Moines, storms can be especially dangerous.
What Comes Next
The National Weather Service will continue surveying storm damage to confirm tornado paths and final ratings. Local and state officials are expected to assess damage, support cleanup and coordinate assistance for affected residents.
Utility crews will continue working to restore power, while forecasters monitor the region for additional storms through the weekend.
Images from the storm zone showed rescuers pulling a man from tornado wreckage after severe storms damaged homes across parts of the Midwest.
Man dragged alive from twisted tornado wreckage after deadly storms kill at least one with millions of Americans warned nightmare is not over yet https://t.co/LZz8iysjrd
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) June 13, 2026
