Strong wind gusts tore through the Chicago area on Friday, knocking out power to thousands, taking down trees, and even tearing the roof off of a north suburban school.

UPDATE (9:00pm): Marshall County EMA Director Tom Hart tells us the 911 Center has been busy throughout this afternoon and evening with calls reporting brush fires, downed utility lines and downed trees.

A gas station canopy toppled at BellStores Gas in the 5600 block of Manchester Road in New Franklin due to the strong winds, as seen in the video below. On West 130th and Lorain in Cleveland, a tree snapped and fell on a home.

The Colorado State University campus in Fort Collins was closed on Friday, including all in-person, hybrid and remote classes as well as all operations.

High winds have knocked down trees and wires throughout the Valley, blocking off multiple roads and causing damage to a home.

Extreme wind gusts forced various closures, downed trees, and caused damage to buildings across southeast Wisconsin on Friday.

Colorado State University closed March 13 due to high wind damage, extending spring break for many students and staff.

Storm-damaged trees require immediate professional assessment to prevent further property damage, power outages, and safety hazards that worsen over time. Hidden structural weaknesses like hairline fractures and compromised root systems can cause delayed collapses weeks after the initial storm passes.

High winds prompted Colorado State University to close all Larimer County campuses on Friday, citing safety concerns over damage, particularly to trees.