Governor JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for several counties in Illinois after severe weather and tornadoes swept through the state. The proclamation includes Boone, Crawford, DuPage, Marion, and Sangamon Counties, and aims to unlock immediate assistance and provide public safety support to the affected communities.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has been directed to coordinate a statewide response and recovery effort involving various state agencies, public safety entities, and non-governmental organizations. The disaster proclamation will support local government response and recovery operations wherever necessary.
The severe weather resulted in a partial collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, causing one fatality in Boone County. In Crawford County, three fatalities were reported due to several structures collapsing.
In Sangamon County, a tornado touchdown resulted in damage to multiple structures in Sherman, Riverton, and Dawson.
In Marion County, approximately a dozen homes and businesses were damaged, while multiple structures were damaged in the Village of Addison in DuPage County.
IEMA is working closely with the National Weather Service to assess the damages and make determinations on tornado strength and activity statewide. While response efforts are underway, people are encouraged to follow local authorities to stay updated with the latest conditions in their communities.
Photo Credit: istock-shironosov
Categories: Illinois, Weather