UPDATE, 4 p.m. Wednesday: Storm Obliterates Some Trees In Lake Bluff

For more photos and a video, see the coverage on our Facebook page.

4 p.m. Wednesday, June 22

At the corner of Evanston and Blodgett avenues in Lake Bluff, there used to be a huge tree dwarfing the intersection.

The key words there are "used to be."

Tuesday night's storm took the tree and just about sliced it in half. But once again, no property damage. The tree had already been chopped off and put to the side of the road on Blodgett by this afternoon, but the appearance in front of the house at the intersection is stark.

The same was true in the 200 block of East Scranton Avenue where a tree that once stood arching over the street is now gone. Crews from Kinnucan were on the site cutting what remained of the tree down.

In Lake Forest, particularly on the east side where the major power outages continue, there are still signs of fallen trees and just dark houses. It could be a long night ahead for them.

Traffic signal update:

• At Routes 41 and 176, there is a flashing red light, which is causing backups both ways.

2 p.m. Wednesday (June 22)

• Power outage has extended to unincorporated Lake Bluff.
• There are no traffic lights on Waukegan Road at Route 60 (Townline Road) or at Waukegan and Deerpath Road.
• But there were in operation at Waukegan and Westmoreland (entrance to Lake Forest Hospital), and at Waukegan and Route 176.

12:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 22

Lake Bluff officials are saying 318 homes  are without power, and ComEd in unable at this point to determine when power will be restored.

In addition:

• The area was affected by high winds that knocked out power, toppled over 20 trees, and knocked over street signs.  No injuries were reported related to the storm.
• Shore Acres Road is closed with power lines and trees blocking the roadway

11:11a.m. Wednesday, June 22

In a bulletin sent out by the city of Lake Forest Wednesday morning (June 22), the count of Lake Forest homes without power is approximately 4,600.

City officials urge resident to call ComEd if they have not done so at this time. The number is:  1-800-334-7661 and follow the prompts to enter resident information. Only one call is necessary. 

Currently, several businesses and buildings are without power, including the , Fitness Center, and . 

According to the bulletin:

• City crews have been working throughout the night to remove trees blocking streets, public right-of-ways (including parkways and sidewalks) and impeding traffic. Any trees or large limbs that are down on private property and too large to be moved to the parkway must be removed by a private contractor unless the tree was on City property and fell onto private property or power lines.
• Tree branches no larger than 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length will continue to be accepted at the curb at no charge through June 28. Any trees or limbs that have fallen onto power lines must be removed by ComEd. Do not approach these power lines as they are live and extremely dangerous.
• City crews will continue cleanup throughout the week. If you wish to bring material to the Compost Center this weekend (open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), branches must be no larger than 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. As a reminder, residents must have a vehicle sticker and all Compost Center rules will continue to be in effect. 
• During this recovery period and until electricity is restored, temporary generators have been approved for use. 
• Please call any public place ahead of time to confirm that there is power. 

Continue to check the City’s website for updates. If you need assistance, contact the Public Works department at (847) 810-3542 or miklovid@cityoflakeforest.com.