Kanecountyconnects.com
The National Weather Service (NWS) has completed its preliminary storm survey and determined that no tornadoes touched down in Kane County on Friday. Instead, damage across the area was caused by straight-line winds reaching 70 mph or greater.
While most of the county experienced minor damage—such as downed trees and cosmetic building impacts—some locations, including Maple Park, Burlington, Virgil, Huntley and Hampshire, saw more significant but isolated damage.
The worst structural damage occurred in Elgin, where powerful winds ripped off half the roof of the 101-year-old First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland Ave. The storm left a gaping hole over the sanctuary, exposing the historic church to rain damage. While water is seeping inside, the interior wooden ceiling remains intact. Fortunately, the 60 people sheltering in the basement at the time were unharmed.
While no tornadoes were confirmed in Kane County, the NWS did verify tornadoes in other areas:
EF-0 in Yorkville
EF-0 in Bartlett and Hanover Park
Kane County has had 13 reported tornadoes in the past year and a half.
