High winds blow roof off Elk Grove Village apartment building; residents displaced
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. (CBS) -- Powerful winds tore the roof off an apartment building in Chicago's northwest suburbs Saturday, leaving the roof flapping in the wind and residents looking for a new place to stay.
Residents told CBS 2's Marissa Perlman that from the inside it sounded like a plane was about to land on top of the building, located at 1037 Charlela Lane.
The 40 mph winds blew part of the roof completely off. Large pieces fell on top of at least two parked cars on the north side of the building.
Everyone inside got out without injuries.
Residents in all 60 units were told they had to leave at least for now. Families could be seen grabbing last minute items, such as computers and electronics as crews went floor by floor to get people out.
Families are being helped by the Red Cross to relocate.
One neighbor was at home and ran home to make sure her dog, who was alone inside, was OK.
"Everything else inside is replaceable, but he is not. He's my little baby," said Stephanie Sostenes. "I have never experienced anything like this before, definitely something I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Crews will keep the parking lot blocked off in case more winds come through.
It is not clear when residents will be able to get back inside. A roofing company was assessing the damage Saturday afternoon.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued for multiple counties in Illinois - all of which have since expired. A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday night.