The National Weather Service is confirming a tornado in Elgin Wednesday evening having a maximum intensity of EF-1 with maximum wind speed of 100 mph. The tornado’s track roughly started east of Illinois Route 47 and ended near the railroad tracks west of the Villa Olivia Golf Course on US Route 20.
Eight homes in Elgin’s Edgewater subdivision sustained significant damage that prevents them from being occupied. Eleven have damage requiring substantial repairs, but did not affect the dwellings’ structural integrity. Combined damage estimates for the nineteen homes is $7 million.
During a meeting with Edgewater residents on Tuesday, July 13, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, Illinois State Senators Cristina Castro and Donald DeWitte, Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog and Elgin city staff met to offer support and resources. Mayor Kaptain reassured residents impacted by the tornado that the city’s top priority is to assist them in returning to their homes as quickly as possible. “We will be fast tracking the permitting process and waiving permit fees to ensure a quick and safe return home for all those affected.”
As part of the fast track permitting process, the city has instituted a designated email to help expedite the process. Impacted residents can email “[email protected]” describing the type of assistance they need.
In addition to the Edgewater subdivision, the primary area of the city suffering damage is located south of South Street and west of McLean Boulevard. The College Green neighborhood took a fair amount of damage along a few streets. Mission Hills Drive, Balmoral Drive, Harbor Town Drive and Annandale Drive all have broken and uprooted trees. The Columbine neighborhood suffered some damage as well as the neighborhoods west of Edgewater including Waterford, Copper Springs and Shadow Hill.
Approximately twenty-five homes sustained minor structural damage in the Columbine, Woodbridge and College Green subdivisions. City personnel are still calculating the combined property damage cost totals for these twenty-five homes.
Residents who suffered property damage are encouraged to be aware of scams by individuals seeking to profit from the tornado’s damage. At this time, no companies have been authorized by the city to work in the impacted areas soliciting home improvement, clean up or other services.
