Wind gusts hit 58 mph near Woodstock in storm that downed trees, closed Crystal Lake school Wednesday

High winds that swept through McHenry County late Tuesday and into Wednesday caused downed trees and power lines and isolated power outages.

A power outage also forced the closure Wednesday of Hannah Beardsley Middle School in Crystal Lake. A note that went out to families early Wednesday from Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 Superintendent Kathy Hinz said the school was awaiting an estimated power restoration time from ComEd, but classes would resume Thursday.

Wind gusts of 58 mph were reported 3 miles north of Woodstock, and 56 mph was measured 5 miles northwest of Marengo, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.

The sheriff’s office reported early Wednesday that Perkins Road was closed between Franklinville and Gee roads southwest of Woodstock because of a fallen tree and wires blocking access.

Brooke Loyd, chief deputy at the McHenry County Emergency Management Agency, said most of the damage in the county involved downed power lines and trees. She said she knew of one line going down that pulled an electric box off a home.

ComEd was reporting isolated power outages to small numbers of customers in various spots around the county.

The weather Wednesday was expected to be mild and breezy with highs around 74 degrees. However, another chance of storms arrives Friday, with showers likely and thunderstorms possible, the National Weather Service reported.