PHOTO RELEASE: Gov. Pritzker Visits Lansing Following Tornado Damages from Storm
Officials confirm at least six tornadoes touched down in the Chicagoland area during Tuesday’s extreme storm conditions, leaving damage across the south suburbs
August 14, 2026
LANSING – Today, Governor JB Pritzker visited Lansing, one of the communities impacted by Tuesday’s extreme weather event which resulted in at least six tornadoes in the Chicago area, according to the National Weather Service. The Governor joined residents, local leaders, and first responders to survey the damages in Lansing, where recovery efforts are underway.
“My thoughts are with the people of Lansing and all Illinoisans who were impacted by Tuesday’s tornadoes and high winds,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As extreme storms becomes more common, I remain grateful for the first responders and emergency workers who support our communities.”
“We are grateful to Governor Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, State Senator Elgie Sims, State Senator Napoleon Harris, and State Representative Nick Harris for coming to Lansing today to see firsthand the impact these storms have had on our community,” said Village of Lansing Mayor Brian Hardy. “While our village crews, first responders, utility partners and neighbors have worked tirelessly, there is still significant work ahead. My priority is ensuring Lansing has the support and resources we need to recover, and I will continue advocating at every level of government on behalf of our residents. We appreciate our state and county leaders being here and their continued partnership as Lansing moves forward.”
On Tuesday, six confirmed tornadoes tore through Chicago’s south suburbs, as extreme storms led to a derecho – a cluster of thunderstorms with destructive wind speeds up to 100 miles per hour. In Lansing, these conditions brought down tree limbs and branches, causing damage to homes, cars, and power lines; blocking roads; and filling streets with debris.
In the immediate aftermath of a storm, local jurisdictions work with their county’s emergency management agency (EMA) to coordinate the local disaster and recovery response. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) also supports local officials in those efforts, providing resources and assistance for damage assessments. Local and state damage assessments are underway in Lansing and other impacted areas.
Earlier today, the Governor signed SB 3925 into law, authorizing local home equity assurance programs to provide financial relief to qualifying Illinoisans whose homes are damaged by future flooding.
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