Wicked storms pass through Chicago on Thursday afternoon

A powerful line of thunderstorms passed through Chicago and the suburbs on Thursday afternoon. The storm hit the northside neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Lakeview at approximately 3:45 pm. The most amazing aspects of this afternoon's storms were how suddenly they whipped up, and the ferocity of the winds.

The wind blew up from near calm conditions to gusty winds above 70 mph in seconds tearing off roofs, blowing construction debris all over the neighborhoods and uprooting trees. Driving around the area today, Friday, revealed more storm damange than I have ever seen before. Normally, the city proper does not receive high wind damage across a widespread area. Devastation normally seen in a tornado area is found all over the north side today.