High Winds Knock Out Power, Down Trees And Traffic Lights Across Northern Illinois

High wind gusts toppled trees, traffic lights, and power lines Friday morning across the Chicago area, leaving thousands without electricity.

The National Weather Service recorded a peak gust of 66 mph in Chicago, with West Chicago and Rockford also seeing winds over 60 mph. A high wind warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. Friday.

Several roadways are closed due to downed wires and poles. As of 8:30 a.m., the McHenry County Sheriff's Office advised drivers to avoid Route 120 at Greenwood Road in Woodstock, Barreville Road between Charles J. Miller and Biscayne roads in McHenry and State Line Road at Alden Road in Harvard while crews work to clear hazards.

In Grayslake, Route 120 has been closed between Hainesville and Alleghany roads due to downed power lines in the roadway, police said.

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Meanwhile, power outages have surged to more than 21,000 ComEd customers in northern Illinois as of 8:30 a.m., according to ComEd. Outages by county include: Cook (12,518), Lake (3,530), McHenry (449), Kane (211), DuPage (1,151), and Will (927).

The high wind gusts have lead to hundreds of flight delays at O'Hare Airport on Friday, according to NBC Chicago.

"The FAA is slowing departures at Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to a ground radar issue caused by heavy winds," an emailed statement to NBC Chicago from the FAA said. "Technicians are working to address the problem."

The National Weather Service warns that damaging westerly winds will continue throughout the day, especially north of a line from Pontiac to Rensselaer. Drivers should expect difficult travel on north-south roads, and localized power interruptions may continue. Wind gusts are expected to ease this evening.

Are you seeing wind-related issues in your area? Send info and pics to amie.schaenzer@patch.com.