Major storms generated tornadoes that killed at least two people in northwest Indiana and flattened buildings in Kankakee, Illinois, as another bout of rain, hail and strong winds moved through the region.
Deadly Tornadoes Strike Illinois and Indiana
Several intense supercell thunderstorms swept across northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Tuesday, unleashing at least four tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service office in Chicago.
An elderly couple died after a tornado struck their home in Lake Village, Indiana. Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran urged residents: “Please do not come here. Do not try to support right now,” speaking from the scene of a ruined home Tuesday night.
Crews rescued people trapped in damaged homes, and at least 70 utility poles were knocked down, leaving many roads impassable, Newton County officials reported Wednesday morning. Fewer than 10 people were injured in Tuesday’s storms, according to Laurie Postma, a spokesperson for the Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department in Lake Village.
David Ferris, a Lake Village resident and paramedic, described riding out the storm with his wife and dogs “in our downstairs bathtub.” He then assisted with rescue efforts, treating those injured, including a man found covered in house insulation.
The storms caused widespread damage. In Lake Village, the local Family Dollar store and a petrol station were destroyed, and several large trees were uprooted. In Kankakee, Illinois, hail ranging from three to five inches in diameter fell.
A tornado touched down near the Kankakee fairgrounds and travelled northeast into Aroma Park, causing extensive damage, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office said. Around 4,300 customers in Lake Village and surrounding communities were without power Wednesday morning, down from over 11,000 at the storm’s peak, according to the Northern Indiana Public Service Company.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated, “Keeping in our thoughts all Illinoisans impacted by the severe weather – we’ll be here to help them recover.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the tornadoes occur?
Tornadoes struck parts of northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Tuesday, with significant damage reported in Kankakee County, Illinois, and Lake Village, Indiana.
How many people were injured?
Fewer than 10 people were reported injured as of Wednesday morning, according to Laurie Postma, a spokesperson for the Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department in Lake Village.
What was the extent of the damage?
Damage included destroyed homes, downed utility poles, uprooted trees, and widespread power outages. The local Family Dollar store and a petrol station in Lake Village were destroyed.
As recovery efforts continue, residents are urged to check on their neighbors and loved ones, whereas avoiding unnecessary travel.
