High winds, rain sweep across Northern Illinois

CHICAGO (AP) -- Crews began cleaning up downed trees and restoring power across Northern Illinois Tuesday after a line of powerful storms swept through the area, spawning at least two tornadoes.

The National Weather Service confirmed that tornadoes touched down in the Chicago suburbs of Bloomingdale and Bolingbrook. A third tornado touched down in Griffith, Ind.

Strong winds also damaged buildings and flooded streets across the northern part of the state late Monday, and lightning is being blamed for several fires.

Another line of thunderstorms left tens of thousands without power early Tuesday, and the region braced for more severe weather.

Thunderstorm warnings were in effect for several counties across northern and central Illinois, and the weather service warned of more strong winds and the possibility of hail. Weather damage -- including standing water, downed tree limbs and blinking traffic lights -- snarled rush hour traffic in the Chicago area.

More than 100 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport Tuesday morning, according to aviation department spokesman Gregg Cunningham. He said airlines are catching up after last night's storms and delays are minor. A few flights are delayed about an hour at Midway.

A heat advisory also was issued for parts of central Illinois, where the heat index is expected to top 100 degrees.

Monday's storm prompted tornado warnings in downtown Chicago. Fans were evacuated from the stands at Chicago's Wrigley Field and travelers from the upper levels of terminals at O'Hare International Airport.