“Natural Gas” Odor Permeates Northern Illinois, Equipment Maintenance in Iowa Blamed

(Gurnee, IL) A strong odor permeated the northern Illinois area yesterday evening. Multiple police departments around Lake and McHenry County said they received dozens of calls about the apparent odor of natural gas in their towns. An investigation was launched, and it was determined the smell originated during the morning hours in Iowa, where some maintenance was being performed on unspecified equipment in Cedar County. The odor then was caught by the wind which drove it to northern Illinois and other areas. Officials were quick to point out that it was not a natural gas leak of any sort, and that there was no risk to the general public.

Tim Vander Tuuk, WLIP News (1-3-24)