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High Winds Topple Trees, Spray Branches Through Park Forest


Neighbors discuss downed tree on Ash Street
Neighbors meet over a fallen maple tree on Ash Street Monday. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Concentrated gusts of at least 60 MPH swept through Park Forest Monday afternoon toppling trees and spraying branches, some very large, throughout the Village. Two-thirds of a thick maple tree on Ash Street split at the trunk, one hefty series of branches falling on the roof of a co-op in the first court, the second section collapsing into the courtyard turning a tall lamp post into a twisted pile of metal, the light still lit.

The portion of the tree that fell onto the co-op roof did not appear to go through the roof itself, but it tore into gutters and left a noticeable dent under its crushing weight.

Police told eNews Park Forest there were no reported injuries from the storm, either from residents or among first responders.

A co-op roof under the weight of a crushing tree
A co-op roof under the crushing weight of a tree on Ash Street. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Public Works crews and members of the Park Forest Fire Department were out in force working to remove branches and trees brought down by the storm. Police helped to direct traffic around the areas where the storm had tossed trees and branches into the streets.

ComEd reported multiple outages across the Chicagoland area, four in Park Forest affecting 2,128 customers, the largest grouping of 1,642 in the area around 26th Street and Birch.

A mangled lamp post still lit on Ash Street.
A mangled lamp post, still lit, on Ash Street Monday afternoon. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)
Lamp post still lit.
The lamp post was still trying to do its job after being crushed by a fallen tree Monday. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

The high wind warning from the National Weather Service remained in effect through 8 PM Monday.

The blast was the result of a line of severe thunderstorms hurtling towards the east at 65 MPH. The National Weather Service said there was only a limited risk of thunderstorms for the rest of the week, Tuesday through Sunday.

Torn stump of a fallen tree on Ash Street.
The torn stump of a fallen maple tree on Ash Street. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Rain is expected to continue Monday night mainly before 8 PM.

Tuesday? Look for mostly sunny skies with a high near 82 and a gentle, 5 MPH north wind. Tuesday night looks to be calm with a low of 62.

Branch fell atop a car on Indiana Street.
A branch fell atop a car on Indiana Street Monday. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

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Park Forest Police posted photos from the aftermath of the storm as well:

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Police added, “Please check on your senior citizen neighbors and any neighbors with special needs. Call if you need police assistance.”

The non-emergency number for assistance in Park Forest is 708-748-4700, or 911, of course, for emergencies.


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