Wheaton residents have until 7 a.m. Monday, August 3 to drag storm-damaged tree branches to the curb for a one-time citywide pickup, the city's public works department announced Tuesday, July 28.

The city will make a single pass through the community. After that, residents are responsible for removing any remaining tree debris from their own property.

The pickup follows severe storms that struck Wheaton on Monday, July 27, downing trees and power lines across nearly every neighborhood. The Wheaton Fire Department responded to more than 100 calls between 11:55 a.m. and 6 p.m. that day, including two minor structure fires and multiple incidents involving downed electrical wires. No injuries were reported.

As we reported July 27, city crews began clearing roadways immediately after the storms passed. Some roads remained blocked as of Tuesday because the city must wait for ComEd to remove downed power lines before crews can safely cut and haul trees.

What the city will collect

Only trees and branches. Residents do not need to bundle or tie limbs. Both parkway tree damage and storm-related debris from private property may be placed at the curb. Home debris, furniture, or other material must not be mixed in with branches.

The collection is expected to take several weeks once crews begin their pass.

ComEd power restoration timeline

ComEd estimated Tuesday morning that about 80% of affected DuPage County customers would have power restored by noon Wednesday, July 29. The remaining 20% are expected back online by Friday, July 31, according to Shaw Local, which reported the city's announcement.

The utility said more than 530,000 customers were affected regionwide, according to the Chicago Tribune. ComEd said its service area has already experienced more storms in 2026 than in all of 2025.

Wind gusts exceeding 80 mph were recorded during the squall line that moved through the western suburbs July 27, and trained weather spotters reported a tornado in Glen Ellyn, immediately adjacent to Wheaton, according to NBC Chicago.

What residents should do

The city warned residents not to drive, walk, or ride around barricades blocking roads with downed wires. Parkway tree issues can be reported through the city's online service request form at www.wheaton.il.us/servicerequest.

This is the second major storm to hit Wheaton in 2026. The city was also affected by a June 11 tornado outbreak; SBA disaster loans were later made available to residents hit by that storm.

The citywide debris pickup begins after the August 3 deadline. Residents who miss the single pass will need to arrange their own removal.