A weeklong outbreak of destructive storms and tornadoes across the central United States finally eased, but severe weather extended into the East on Friday, leaving widespread damage, power outages and multiple deaths
The final severe round in the heartland brought hurricane‑force wind gusts and more than a dozen reported tornadoes that tore through towns in Illinois and Indiana, leveling houses and uprooting trees. At least three people were killed Thursday after being struck by falling trees, and another person died Friday in Virginia when a large outdoor tent collapsed.
Since Sunday, nearly 1,500 reports of wind damage, hail and tornadoes have been logged across the central and eastern U.S., marking one of the most active severe‑weather periods so far this year. The threat zone on Friday stretched from eastern New York and western New England south to North Carolina and included major metro areas such as New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Drone and eyewitness video showed heavy destruction in Streator, Illinois, where roofs were torn off multiple homes and at least four people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Officials also reported tornadoes near Ipava, Illinois, and a “confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado” near Hebron in Porter County, Indiana. Preliminary assessments in Lake County, Indiana, found more than 100 structures damaged or destroyed, and emergency crews continue search, rescue and recovery operations while clearing fallen trees and restoring power.
