DOWNTOWN — High winds Thursday have cracked windows in Loop high-rises, forcing the fire department to close some Downtown streets.
Franklin Street from Washington to Lake streets, Randolph Street from Wells Street to Wacker Drive, and westbound Wacker between Clark and LaSalle streets are all closed due to falling debris Thursday morning, city officials said.
The closures were prompted by glass falling from high-rise towers on LaSalle and Wacker, the fire department tweeted. No injuries have been reported thus far:
221 north LaSalle wind damage about 50th floor Wacker drive side.
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 6, 2017
Window broke on upper floor 111west Wacker. Street and sidewalk partially closed. Window company on scene. No injuries
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 6, 2017
The winds seem to have affected at least two other Downtown buildings, too: Willis Tower, which has closed its Skydeck, as well as the Civic Opera Building.
The Skydeck is currently closed. We will open as soon as we are able to do so. Please check back for updates... pic.twitter.com/H6vCvW8xbq
— Skydeck Chicago (@SkydeckChicago) April 6, 2017
Looks like pieces of the Lyric Opera's sign came off in the storm. pic.twitter.com/GRz5Yxf1tb
— Kelly Bauer (@BauerJournalism) April 6, 2017
Though winds have closed Downtown streets, people on the Internet seem to be taking Thursday's weather in stride.
My favorite #Chicago weather is the one where the wind is so bad, I almost get swept off my feet in the least romantic way possible.
— Jo Ladzinski (@JoEatsFood) April 6, 2017
High winds are expected last through Thursday evening, but sunny weather is in the forecast for the weekend.
High Wind Warning lowered to Wind Advisory for Chicago area/Lakeshore Flood Warning continued https://t.co/NRBAfnDIxO
— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) April 6, 2017
