A slew of photographs were shared on social media Tuesday of an absolutely mind-blowing waterspout/potential tornado not too far from Chicago, Illinois.
The alleged waterspout reportedly touched down in the northwest portion of Lake County, not too far from Gary, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, according to one woman who posted a series of images and videos of the humongous weather. Another series of images and photographs from storm chaser Jonny Gabel show the storm clouds evolving over the region, lightning illuminating the skies and the waterspout as it emerged between the clouds and waters.
Tornado touchdown in NW Lake County Indiana, near Gary/Chicago Airport!!! #nwindiana #nwiskywarn #tornado #bearcage #garyindiana pic.twitter.com/oTyMPteoPn
— 🫦Pleasantly Evil👅 (@ClapOnClapOff88) February 28, 2024
Sorry about the swears and outbursts 😂😭🤷🏻♂️
East Chicago #Indiana #Tornado
2/27/24
9:15 PM pic.twitter.com/WIW6cHtCVo— JonnyGabel (@JonnyGabel) February 28, 2024
Video of the the tornado that happened near gary/Chicago Airport in Lake County Indiana on or near the Lake.
📸: Robert Banjoff#ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/wIjFiIaLcQ
— StormHQ ☈ (@StormHQwx) February 28, 2024
Self-described solo storm chaser Nina Brady posted a series of images of the “tornado-producing storms” west of Chicago, and her work is utterly beautiful. The National Weather Service (NWS) is still investigating whether tornadoes touched down in the area, but you don’t have to wait for government approval to know what you’re seeing in these images.
Solo chasing tornadoes at night isn’t my jam, so I kept a safe distance from the tornado-producing storms west of Chicago and caught their gorgeous structure. Took the first three near Leland. Stopped by North Ave. beach on my way home. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/JSzlUmgFpq
— Nina Brady (@NinaBrady) February 28, 2024
“Tornado Warning” Another epic region shot of the tornado from the Gary / East Chicago line around 9:30 tonight.
It’s believed from all the witnesses this tornado was on land for about 500-1000 yards before crossing onto Lake Michigan making it a waterspout. pic.twitter.com/NuX6H7AGs4
— Jordan Yaros (@yaros_jordan) February 28, 2024
Along with the “potential tornadoes” and waterspout, the region witnessed strong winds and hail. Temperatures plummeted 60 degrees in the night, according to Fox Chicago, and snow flurries are expected throughout Wednesday. (RELATED: Waterspout Flings Debris All Over In Key West During Insane Weather Event)
Judging from NWS’s definition, Tuesday night’s event is most likely a tornadic, if not a “significant” tornadic waterspout. These occur in conjunction with a developing thunderstorm.