EF-3 Tornado In DuPage County Hospitalized 11, Displaced Dozens

WOODRIDGE, IL — A three-block-wide tornado that tore through at least three miles of Woodridge and Naperville damaged more than 200 homes and hospitalized at least 11 people, according to updates from local police and fire officials. According to Woodridge police, the tornado touched down east of Route 53 between 83rd Street and 75th Street before moving east toward Lemont Road, which was partially closed early Monday in Darien.

Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service reported finding damage in Naperville consistent with an EF-3 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. An EF-3 rated tornado can bring wind gusts of up to 165 mph.

In a press conference late Monday morning, Woodridge Police Chief Brian Cunningham said three residents were sent to nearby hospitals to be treated for injuries sustained in the storm. In Naperville, the tornado hospitalized eight residents. Cunningham said village officials received 200 calls to report "a lot of destruction," including downed power lines, severely damaged homes and "several fires."

The tornado left more than 22,000 people in the DuPage County area without electricity. Cunningham said more than 6,000 Woodridge residents lost power, according to ComEd. As of 11:30 p.m., Cunningham said more than 2,500 villagers in Woodridge were still without power.

Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Chief Keith Krestan said more than 100 homes were damaged by the tornado. In Naperville, more than 150 homes had been damaged, according to a recent update from city officials.

At least 16 Naperville homes were left uninhabitable in the wake of the storm.

Members of the Red Cross were on the ground in Naperville and Woodridge assisting those who needed shelter or support. Brian McDaniel, Executive Director of the American Red Cross for Illinois River Valley said a shelter was available Monday at Ranchview Elementary School, 1651 Ranchview Dr., Naperville.

A second shelter was being set up at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, 7200 Janes Ave., Woodridge.

McDaniel said more than a dozen families were already taking advantage of food, water and spiritual and mental health support at the impromptu shelter.

“Our mission is to alleviate human suffering wherever we find it," McDaniel said.

“Our community has been tremendously impacted," said Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham.

Cunningham said it was overwhelming to see the "outpouring of support" throughout the community. She said she and other village officials were heartened to drive through the village and see "neighbors helping neighbors" amid the "devastating" destruction.

More tornado coverage:

• Illinois Tornado: 5 Things To Know About Sunday's Storms
• Tornado Damage Devastates Woodridge, Naperville, Darien: Photos
• Naperville Tornado Latest: 1 Critically Hurt, Families Displaced
• Tornado Touches Down In Darien: Reports
• Tornado In Woodridge, Injuries In Naperville, Gas Leaks: Reports