Windy City: Gusts Bring Falling Temps, Storm Damage

CHICAGO (CBS) -- As if the big chill was not bad enough Tuesday morning, intense winds were creating problems for people across the Chicago area.

Winds gusts of 40 to 60 miles per hour blew through overnight, helping temperatures drop from the 60s to the 30s.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory through 6 p.m. Tuesday, as strong wind gusts were expected to continue through the day.

A gas station canopy in Alsip was blown down as the winds started picking up Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported, even though at least two cars were under the canopy at the time.

The strong winds also caused a lot of problems at construction sites all over the city.

Fences were knocked over at numerous sites, and tarps were ripped apart and were flapping in the wind.

At one spot, a police officer stopped to tie off a large piece of tarp that was being whipped in the wind.

Outside one apartment complex, a couch was blown off a balcony and deposited on the sidewalk next to a street.

At a high-rise at 155 N. Wacker Dr., part of the ceiling in the building's outdoor vestibule was flapping in the wind after it was sheared off. Building management cordoned off the entire area with police tape.

Also being whipped: cyclists along the lakefront's 18 mile trail.

"It's a bit cold and windy, yes, especially compared to yesterday," a visibly wind-burned Elizabeth Barthom said. "I'm out here freezing."

The 30-degree temperature drop made the day's journey all the more unpleasant, but not that surprising to Long time Chicagoans.

"That is what normal Chicago weather is. If you don't like it, 10 minutes, wait a while," Lindsay Atnip said.

In:
• National Weather Service
• Mike Puccinelli