SEVER STORMS MAKE PATH THROUGH IROQUOIS COUNTY

Wednesday afternoon had several areas of severe storms passing through the county with a countywide tornado watch being issued around 4 pm. LOcal officials, Emergency Management Agency members and trained spotters took positions within the county to intercept the incoming storms and provide advance warning. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning around 5pm and high winds, heavy rain and small hail were encountered near Onarga by the EMA members.

Ford County EMA members witnessed a rotating wall cloud with a separate section of the storm located southwest of Paxton- heading northeast, and the NWS issued a tornado warning for portions of Iroquois County. Siren activation was requested through ICOM for Cissna Park, Milford, Woodland and Watseka based on the issued warning.

An area of significant storm damage was reported on 100 North Road at 500 East Road in rural Loda. EMA responded to the scene and found heavy damage to several structures on two separate properties, on both sides of the intersection, about one quarter of a mile apart. A large debris field covering close to a mile in area was also observed.

The NWS was notified of EMA’s findings, and an assessment team will be on scene this (Thursday) morning to determine if the damage is consistent with a tornado.Several other areas of power poles being toppled and sheared off between the Loda location and Cissna Park were also witnessed. These areas may also be included within the areas looked over by the assessment team.

No injuries were reported with any of these storms.   (Report from Iroquois County EMA)

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