Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone1
Lightbox version
Yesterday, the Chicago media started drumming up fear and awe for a storm front that was rolling in, with stories such as:
A combination of strong thunderstorms, followed by violent and destructive winds, will make for one of the Midwest’s most dangerous storms in 70 years. The temperature Monday hit the 70s under partly sunny skies. But when Tuesday morning comes around, the Chicago area will be slammed with furious thunderstorms as a cold front passes over the area. Damaging winds will likely be a component of the thunderstorms, and there is a risk of tornadoes,
The severe storms are expected to sweep into the area between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. Tuesday, coming in the form of a squall line, which often means strong straight-line winds. The storms will be at their heaviest during the Tuesday morning rush. The rain and severe storms will pass out of the area by midday, but at that point, high and dangerous winds will roar into the area. The winds will maintain a sustained speed of 35 to 40 mph, and may gust to 55 mph or more. They will be most severe north of Interstate 88, particularly along the Wisconsin border, Kleist said. Over Lake Michigan, hurricane-force winds are possible.
…
The National Weather Service reports that based on its records, this will probably be one of the most powerful storm in 70 years, Kleist said.
(click to continue reading Storm To Be Among Worst In 70 Years « CBS Chicago – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic, and the Best of Chicago.)
Of course, when the actual storm arrived2, it was mild. There were a few gusts of wind, and a splash of rain, but nothing End of Times-esque, as the media had promised/threatened.
The photo above was taken out of my window, during the worst part of the deluge. I liked how the light caught the water droplets on the window screen – they look like pieces of gold.
Footnotes: