Strong winds and a likely tornado tore through parts of Kenosha County, snapping power lines, downing trees, and leaving thousands of residents without electricity across the region.
In the town of Paris, just south of Union Grove, a likely tornado touched down in the middle of town and moved east, leaving a trail of damage in its path. Several power lines were snapped along the route. About 4,000 people in the Union Grove area are currently without power as a result.
In Kenosha, more than 21,000 customers in Kenosha County lost power as trees and branches scattered across roads, tangled in power lines, and came to rest on top of homes — particularly on the northern end of the city, between 15th and 18th Street.
We Energies crews are working to restore power and clear downed lines across the county. Many roads in Paris and throughout Kenosha County remain closed as crews continue their work.
Watch: Strong winds knock out power for more than 21,000 Kenosha County customers, down trees
A bar owner at the Stumble Inn, located in the middle of Paris, was there as the likely tornado began to form.
"Yes, yeah, both. You know, I just want to make sure everybody's okay. And then, you know, you wonder what you're going to wake up to tomorrow. So, just do the best with what we have," the bar owner said.
Among those who lost power was John Cronin and his family. Cronin said he was playing a video game when the power began to flicker.
The sound of the wind coming through spooked him.
"I don't know, I was just freaking out. I think I heard some crackles. It was just genuinely insane to me," Cronin said. "It was like a thousand bullets being shot right outside your house, that's the only way I can describe it like bullet train shots it was insane."
Other residents in Kenosha were temporarily blocked from entering their condos by fallen branches. Neighbors and family members stepped in to help clear the way.
Residents are urged to avoid driving in Paris and throughout Kenosha County while roads remain closed and crews continue clearing downed trees and power lines.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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