Winds Gust to Near-Hurricane Levels in Chicago Area

Virtually all of the Chicago area saw gusts in excess of 50 mph

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

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

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