Dangerously high wind gusts were reported across the Chicago area Friday, some reaching near hurricane levels.
The highest winds were reported in Southwest Douglas Park, which saw gusts peak at 72 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts for a category one hurricane begin at 74 mph.
Virtually all of the Chicago area saw gusts in excess of 50 mph as a High Wind Warning remained in effect until 6 p.m. The winds caused power outages for thousands of people and forced several downtown Chicago buildings to be evacuated.
Here's a look at the highest winds reported, according to the NWS:
1. Southwest Douglas Park: 72 mph
2. Gary Airport: 70 mph
3. Ottawa: 68 mph
Local
4. Shorewood: 67 mph
5. Elburn: 66 mph
6. Palatine: 64 mph
7. Chicago O'Hare: 62 mph
8. Chicago: 62 mph
9. Harwood Heights: 62 mph
10. Michigan City: 62 mph
11. Steward: 61 mph
12. Rochelle Airport: 61 mph
13. Sugar Grove, Aurora: 61 mph
14. Waukegan Airport: 61 mph
15. Rockford Airport: 61 mph
16. Valparaiso Airport: 61 mph
17. Peru Airport: 61 mph
18. Chicago Midway: 61 mph
19. Rosemont: 60 mph
20. Michigan City: 59 mph