Update on Tornado and storm damage in Illinois

Updates by Illinois Emergency Management Agency as of 11:00 a.m. today:
  • Preliminary reports are that there were six tornadoes last night.  The NWS could take several days to confirm. 
  • While the weather is clear for today, there is another weather system Wednesday and Thursday that could bring more storms and heavy rains.  We are continuing to monitor.
  • All lanes of traffic on I55 at Reed Rd. were opened overnight.
  • There are over 21,000 customers still without power (over 55,000 at the peak of the storm, but current reports indicate this number).
  • The ARC has two shelters open – Coal City (29 clients being served); Sublette (2 residents being served).
  • There remain local roads that are closed due to debris and/or flooding in various areas.
  • Many areas received heavy rain, as high as 3.85” in some areas, resulting in standing water on many roadways this morning.
  • We are working with ISP and IDOT for aerial photography/surveys of the area.

Woodhaven Campground (Lee County)

  • The campground is still in active search and rescue mode.  Additional searches are commencing with daylight.
  • Damage with daylight appears to be severe.  As such, the State will be deploying Task Force 1 (via MABAS/fire mutual aid) – an advanced search and rescue team w/Canine.
  • There are at least five people rescued from entrapment.  Only one injury requiring ambulance transport.  Others were treated on scene with minor injuries.
  • There are 6,100 lots in the campground with most having trailers.  Out of the 29 campground sections, at least 17 sustained heavy damage.
  • Primary task for this morning will be to cap leaking propane tanks (of which there are many) before bringing in chain saw crews for debris removal.

Coal City (Grundy County)

  • Coal City is still in active search and rescue mode. 
  • A Fire Station in Coal City was damaged, but much of the equipment was out to support the incident.
  • Hearing reports that some first responders, including the fire chief’s home had damage.
  • There were five injuries (minor) requiring medical transport.  The 15 medically treated yesterday include those that sought ER treatment on their own.
  • Initial media aerial photos show damaged homes, some destroyed.