Severe Storms Pummel Chicago Area; Batavia Home Hit by Falling Tree

Batavia, Illinois, bore the brunt of a severe storm that swept across the Chicago area on Sunday afternoon, June 8, 2025. High winds and hail the size of golf balls caused significant damage, with one large tree falling onto a home. Diane Anderson, a Batavia resident, described the storm as "so bad, so noisy and loud, I didn't know what was hitting me." Her neighbor, Patrick Sommerfeld, recounted the rapid onset of the storm: "The first minute was rain, the second minute was hail coming sideways, and then you heard that locomotive thing you hear about." The storm also caused flooding and downed power lines, closing parts of Route 31 as crews worked to restore power. The video shows the extent of the damage, with numerous trees down across streets and yards. Despite the destruction, the community spirit is evident as neighbors help each other clear debris and assess damage. The storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of preparedness.