DuPage County Assesses Damage, Clears Roadways

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin reports that County staff worked around the clock on Sunday and have crews out today assessing and responding to damage resulting from yesterday’s severe thunderstorm.

“DuPage County received a substantial amount of damage to homes and businesses Sunday afternoon. Immediately following the storm, County staff were on scene assessing damage and clearing debris from roadways and waterways,” said Cronin. “Residents can stay up to date on critical information regarding clean-up efforts and shelters through Protect DuPage at www.protectdupage.org.”

The severe thunderstorm which pounded the County with 80 mph winds, penny-sized hail and more than an inch of rain, left several County roads impassible due to fallen power lines and large tree limbs. As of 7 p.m. Sunday, the debris had been removed from all County roads and deemed passable for motorists.

Road Conditions

There are still 22 traffic light locations along the County’s Department of Transportation System with power outages. Motorists should leave extra time while traveling along the following corridors:

• County Farm Road from Birchbark Trail to Jewell Road
• Geneva Road/St. Charles Road from Prince Crossing to Swift Road.

Power Outages

The storm also knocked down power lines across the County leaving 45 percent of area customers without electricity. Today ComEd mobilized 60 crews to respond to system outages, repair downed power lines and other damaged equipment. Additional crews have been requested from neighboring utilities to assist in restoration efforts. However, as of 10 a.m., ComEd reported more than 62,000 customers are awaiting power to be restored. Residents are reminded that the restoration process could take several days.

Sheriff Responds to 911 Calls

The County has also been responding to emergency calls from residents. For example, during a four-hour period at the height of the storm, the Sheriff’s Department received 2,416 emergency 9-1-1 calls. According to the Department, none of the calls were related to injuries or deaths.

Public Works and DOT

Public Works and the Transportation departments have employees out in the field taking care of various issues such as trail closings and clearing debris from water ways. The Stormwater Division reported a sharp spike in stream elevations on Sunday, however they have receded back to normal elevations today. Residents are encouraged to call their municipality to report stream blockages.

County Offices Closed Monday

This morning the County closed most of its Wheaton campus due to continuing power outages. Despite the closing of portions of the government complex, Cronin said critical facility and public safety operations remain open such as the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department, the Convalescent Center, Animal Control and the County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The Court House was open for Circuit Court and Traffic Court until Noon.

The Health Department is open and offering limited services.

Officials will determine later today if the County Complex can open for business tomorrow.

Information courtesy of a press release from DuPage County.