Severe storms that struck Chicago from Wednesday, June 10, through Thursday, June 11, prompted a substantial increase in weather-related calls to the city’s 311 non-emergency hotline, with effects lingering into the weekend. According to an analysis of city data, Chicago residents submitted over 20,000 complaints linked to weather impacts between Wednesday afternoon and Sunday night, revealing widespread disruptions caused by downed trees, power outages, and flooding across all 50 wards.

During the initial onset of the storms on Wednesday afternoon, the 311 hotline received a peak of 37 calls per minute. The highest volume of daily weather-related calls since the hotline’s relaunch in December 2018 occurred on Thursday, June 11, followed by the previous day, Wednesday, June 10, which took second place. These figures surpassed the previous record set on August 11, 2020, when a derecho and an EF-1 tornado in Rogers Park triggered a surge in calls.

While no tornadoes were reported during last week’s events, Chicago was battered by powerful straight-line winds, which produced effects comparable to tornadic damage in many neighborhoods. Over 90% of the calls involved tree-related issues, with many initially categorized as “tree emergencies” by the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) — a classification applied when trees block streets or sidewalks, or have fallen on homes or vehicles.

Cole Stallard, commissioner of the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation, noted that residents often struggled to correctly identify the nature of their complaints. Numerous reports initially labeled as routine “tree debris” clean-up requests were found to involve more urgent hazards, such as obstructed roadways or damage to property. The department deployed extensive resources to address these emergencies, prioritizing the clearing of blocked streets, followed by sidewalks and parkways.

As of Friday’s press briefing, approximately 450 roads remained obstructed by downed trees. By Monday, Stallard expressed confidence that all affected streets would be cleared by the end of the day. While the storm impact was citywide, data indicated a concentration of tree-related damage and blocked roadways on the Southwest and Far South Sides, particularly in the 23rd, 18th, 21st, 8th, and 9th wards.

The 13th Ward recorded the highest number of 311 calls, with more than 1,100 weather-related complaints submitted between Wednesday and Sunday. Residents in the ward logged over 400 calls concerning downed trees on Friday alone, following the severe storms on Thursday. Wind gusts reaching 73 mph were recorded at Midway Airport, located within the 13th Ward, exacerbating the damage.

Alderman Marty Quinn described the situation as relentless, with streets repeatedly blocked on consecutive days as new areas suffered fresh tree falls. “It was almost surreal,” he said, likening it to experiencing the same storm’s effects repeatedly.

The OEMC has begun issuing damage assessment surveys to residents who reported problems via 311. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has forecast additional severe storms for the Chicago area on Wednesday. Alderman Quinn emphasized preparedness and expressed hope that the most heavily impacted neighborhoods from last week would not face renewed damage. “Whatever Mother Nature brings, we’re going to do our very, very best to work through all the situations and be prepared,” he said.