August 28, 1990 - Chicago's August F5 tornado

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

A deadly F5 tornado ripped through two counties near Chicago, killing 29 people and injuring 350.

On the afternoon of August 28th, 1990 an F5 tornado ripped through the Illinois counties of Kendall & Will, approximately 1 hour southwest of Chicago. It was only the second F5 tornado ever recorded in August in the United States and the only F5 tornado to strike the Chicago area.

It crossed just over 16 miles in less than 30 minutes, killing 29 people and injuring 350. A total of 470 homes were destroyed and another 1000 were damaged, causing an estimated $165 million in damages.

On today’s podcast, we explore why tornadoes of this magnitude are so rare in the month of August and the technology that was used in 1990 by meteorologists to recognize tornadic activity.

"This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei. Click here to listen and subscribe!