ComEd still working to restore power to thousands Wednesday after tornadoes, severe storms in Chicago area
CHICAGO (CBS) — Thousand of people in the Chicago area are still without power Wednesday after powerful and dangerous storms that hit the area both Sunday and Monday nights.
ComeEd crews are working to restore power to over 64,000 customers as of 11 a.m.
Early Wednesday morning, ComEd reported over 73,000 customers, mostly in the south suburbs, still without power.
The National Weather Service on Tuesday was investigating 29 potential tornado tracks. So far, 17 tornadoes have been confirmed.
ComEd officials reported during a news conference on Tuesday that 430,000 customers initially experienced outages, and over 206,000 customers have had their power restored.
ComEd said about 80% of customers can expect their power to be restored by Wednesday afternoon, and crews are working "around the clock." The remaining outages, ComEd estimates 99% of customers, could be restored by Friday.
Over 3,000 utility workers will prioritize police and fire stations, nursing homes, and hospitals. ComEd has set up base camps with additional resources in the hardest-hit areas, including Freeport, University Park, Joliet, and Streator base camps.
I-55 set to reopen after downed power lines close expressway near Channahon
ComEd officials confirmed on Wednesday morning, I-55 is set to reopen Thursday morning after storms downed power lines closed the expressway. The wires are expected to be removed from the roadway by midnight.
ComEd crews responded to I-55 near Channahon on Tuesday after two transmission towers down with live high-voltage wires down across the highway.
Two trucks, including a semi-truck, were stuck in the roadway. The drivers were injured in the crash and are expected to recover.
Reporting downed lines, power outages
Anyone who sees a downed wire is advises to stay away from it and assume that it is energized.
ComEd customers can report outages or downed power lines by calling 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) or going online.
Customers can also check the live outage map.
