Residents across the Midwest braced for a wild ride on Sunday, December 28, 2025, as a powerful storm system swept through Illinois, Indiana, and neighboring states, bringing with it a dizzying array of weather hazards. From rare tornado warnings and flight disruptions in Chicago to wind-whipped snow in Indiana and Michigan, communities scrambled to stay safe and adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, a Tornado Watch was issued for several Indiana counties, including Johnson County, and remained in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday. The agency warned that a couple of tornadoes were possible, along with isolated hail up to the size of a quarter and scattered wind gusts reaching up to 75 mph. Meteorologists urged the public to remain vigilant and weather-ready by listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings. "If under a tornado warning, go to a basement, safe room or an interior room away from windows. Don’t forget pets if time allows," the National Weather Service advised (as reported by WTHR Indianapolis).
The severe weather didn’t stop at Indiana’s borders. In the Chicago area and parts of Northwest Indiana, Sunday brought a rare Tornado Warning for Kankakee, Illinois, as well as Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana. All warnings have since expired, but the threat underscored the unusual volatility of this winter storm system. As CBS Chicago reported, the day’s weather was a mixed bag: fog, rain, humidity, warm temperatures, thunderstorms, and strong winds all made appearances. The chaos in the skies even forced a ground stop at O'Hare International Airport due to thunderstorms, resulting in 54 flight cancellations at O'Hare and four at Midway International Airport. The ground stop was lifted, only to be reinstated later as conditions remained unpredictable.
But the drama wasn’t limited to tornadoes and flight delays. As the cold front barreled through, the region was put on notice for a dramatic temperature drop and punishing winds. The entire Chicago area was set to experience a Wind Advisory beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday and continuing until 3 p.m. Monday, with sustained winds between 25 and 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. The National Weather Service warned that these winds could lead to isolated power outages, downed branches, and battered holiday decorations. As the evening wore on, temperatures plummeted from the 60s into the 20s and 30s, and by overnight, the mercury was expected to dip into the teens with subzero wind chills by Monday morning. "The rest of the week does look to be cold and below average, so get ready for winter to make a full return to Chicago," CBS Chicago noted.
In anticipation of the dangerously cold weather, the City of Aurora, Illinois, took action by opening a temporary overnight warming center at the Financial Empowerment Center, located at 712 S. River St. The center would be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday into Monday, Monday into Tuesday, and Tuesday into Wednesday, providing a vital refuge for residents facing the bitter cold.
Meanwhile, the storm’s wintry side was on full display in Indiana and Michigan. A Winter Weather Advisory was issued for LaPorte County, Indiana, and other parts of Indiana and Southwest Michigan, effective from midnight Central time Sunday night until midnight Monday night. Lake-effect snow was expected to dump between 2 and 5 inches in these areas, with up to 6 inches possible in southwest Michigan. For those living near Lake Michigan, the threat was compounded by a storm warning for the lake itself, with storm-force winds and hazardous waves making conditions perilous for anyone considering venturing out on the water.
The Midwest’s weather woes extended even further north. Most of Wisconsin, north of Milwaukee and Madison, remained under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. Sunday, with snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches expected. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan faced even harsher conditions, with a blizzard warning in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday and total snow accumulations between 9 and 19 inches forecasted. In short, while the weather in Chicago and Indiana was far from pleasant, other parts of the region had it even worse.
Throughout the affected areas, safety was top of mind. Meteorologists and emergency officials repeatedly stressed the importance of having a plan in place for tornadoes and severe storms. The National Weather Service outlined clear steps: if at home during a tornado warning, seek shelter in a basement, safe room, or interior room away from windows. At workplaces or schools, follow tornado drill procedures and proceed quickly and calmly to designated shelter locations, avoiding large open spaces like cafeterias or gymnasiums. For those caught outside, the advice was blunt: seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately, as sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents offer little protection. If in a vehicle, the best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter; if that’s not possible, get down in the car and cover your head, or abandon the vehicle for a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
As the storm swept through, communities demonstrated resilience and preparedness. Local officials in Aurora and other cities mobilized warming centers and emergency services, while residents heeded warnings and kept a close eye on weather updates. For many, the rapid shift from balmy, stormy conditions to biting cold and snow was a stark reminder of the Midwest’s unpredictable winters.
Looking ahead, the National Weather Service and local authorities urged everyone in the region to remain vigilant as the week progressed. With cold, below-average temperatures expected to linger and the potential for more snow showers, residents were advised to keep winter safety top of mind—whether that meant bundling up for the commute, checking on vulnerable neighbors, or simply keeping that weather radio close by.
In a region accustomed to dramatic weather swings, Sunday’s storm was a potent reminder that nature can always surprise—even in late December. From tornado watches to blizzard warnings and everything in between, the Midwest weathered another test, emerging a bit colder, a bit wiser, and certainly more weather-ready for whatever comes next.
