A fast-moving storm system moved through western McHenry County early Tuesday afternoon, resulting in several emergency responses for downed trees and power lines.
The Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 1:33 p.m. Tuesday to the 600 block of Dewey Street for a large tree that had fallen onto a home.
Harvard Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said the tree brought power lines down into the roadway.
The home was occupied at the time but no injuries were reported, Vucha said.
Firefighters found no additional life safety hazards and cleared the scene a short time later.
The road was closed with the assistance of the Harvard Police Department and Harvard Public Works Department.
Other fire departments in the area also responded to storm-related incidents.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded around 1:31 p.m. to the 22500 block of Harmony Road in unincorporated Marengo for a downed power line that caught fire.
The power line led to a road closure in both directions for over 90 minutes, Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District also responded to the area of Jackson Street and Douglas Street for a tree that had fallen onto utility lines.
“While the storm caused isolated damage, the impact was not widespread. Several additional weather-related calls were dispatched throughout the afternoon, though most involved minor issues and did not require significant fire department intervention,” Vucha said.
Fire departments continued to balance multiple demands during the storm, including responses for multiple unrelated medical emergencies, Vucha said.
“Residents are reminded to treat any downed power line as if it is live. Do not touch, drive over, or attempt to move any downed wires,” he added. “Always call 911 to report hazardous conditions.”
The emergency responses occurred amid a severe thunderstorm warning that was issued by the National Weather Service for McHenry County. Forecasters reported a severe thunderstorm line extending from near Roscoe to near Belvidere, moving east at 50 mph.