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Severe Storms Hit Chicago Area

Tree_Down
A tree was toppled by stormsat Indiana and Washington Streets in Wheaton. (Credit: Shelia McPherson)

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Severe weather blasted the Chicago area on Monday with winds as high at 70 m.p.h. toppling trees and causing some power outages.

During the storms, Metra halted inbound and outbound trains on the Union Pacific/Northwest trains, BNSF Railway and Union Pacific West trains, according to Metra's website.

Showers and thunderstorms hit downtown Chicago around 6:10 p.m. and quickly moved over the lake after about 20 minutes.

In Northwest Indiana, winds between 60-70 m.p.h. hit Griffith and there were reports of several trees and power lines down near Ridge Road and Cline Avenue.

The storms caused wind damage and some power outages. There were several reports of downed trees across the area.

ComEd reported about 175,000 without power, but many only lost power for a short time.

The CTA was forced to halt Brown, Purple and Red Line service during rush hour due to the high winds and debris left on the tracks.

Thunderstorms are possible through the remainder of the work week, when temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday and the mid-80s Thursday and Friday.

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