– The public asked to stay off roads while damages are assessed -

Kankakee County was severely damaged late Tuesday afternoon after being hit by a tornado.  Damage assessment teams are out and about.  Reported injurties are questionable.  Several reports indicated people trapped in damaged homes.  Power lines are down.  Business sites were damaged.  Several streets were flooded.  Officials were asking citizens to avoid the areas.

The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office reported at least one confirmed tornado that touched down south of Kankakee, near the County Fairgrounds.  on Route 45.  The tornado appeared to have continued northeast, where it eventually crossed the Kankakee River into Aroma Park, where extensive damage is being reported.

Kankakee city officials reported the southern part of the city and the County areas was hard-hit by the storm, causing widespread damage.  The public is asked to avoid all roadways south of town and heading into the Aroma Park community

In addition, Route 45/52 is closed from River Road to the I-57 Exit 308 due to down power lines, storm damage and fires, according to Emergency Management Agency officials.  Alley routes in Kankakee were barricaded.  Several streets were reported flooded at the intersections and officials advise all people to stay in their homes and avoid all roadways in the city until further notice.

No serious injuries have been reported at this time.

94.1 WGFA