Chicago, United States – The Loop district in Chicago was thrown into chaos on Wednesday evening as powerful winds from severe thunderstorms tore construction materials from rooftops and sent debris flying between high-rise buildings.
The video capturing the scene was filmed by X user Ka(n)ti(fa)e.
Filmed from inside a building, the footage shows large dark rectangular objects, likely plywood or similar construction materials, being violently carried across the skyline by strong gusts. The view is seen through a rain-streaked or particle-covered window, with tall dark skyscrapers filling the frame and scattered lights glowing in some windows.
Small pieces of debris move unpredictably through the air, shifting direction as the wind intensifies between the buildings. The filmer’s silhouette and phone can be faintly seen reflected in the glass while recording the storm. As the perspective changes, more of the urban canyon becomes visible, with additional debris swirling close to the edges of nearby structures.
The conditions were part of a severe storm system that struck the Chicago area on June 10, bringing wind gusts between 60 and nearly 90 miles per hour. The straight-line winds caused widespread damage, including downed trees, broken windows in the South Loop, and partial roof damage on buildings.
In the Loop and Near North Side, construction materials were torn loose from rooftops, creating scenes described by witnesses as “raining plywood.” Similar debris was also scattered across streets and parking areas.
The storms left hundreds of thousands of people without power across Illinois and neighboring states and disrupted flights at Chicago airports. No major injuries were immediately reported in the Loop from flying debris, but the incident highlighted the dangers created when extreme winds turned construction sites into airborne hazards. More storms are expected in the coming days.
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