The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) was active throughout the night and into the early morning hours (Friday) conducting preliminary damage assessments following the severe storms that moved through the county Thursday evening.  Significant tree damage and roof damage have been reported on the south side of Watseka, following a path nearly identical to the storm that impacted the area in April.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago has identified seven separate tracks of radar-indicated rotation across Iroquois County that will require further investigation and damage surveys over the coming days. One of these tracks follows the path through the southeast side of Watseka.

EMA personnel will continue conducting damage assessments throughout the weekend to determine the extent of storm-related impacts across the county. 

Power outages remain widespread in several areas of the county. Utility providers, including Ameren Illinois and Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, are working diligently to restore service. At this time, no estimated restoration timeline has been provided to the Iroquois County EMA. As of this release, no injuries or major residential damage have been reported through incidents handled by Iroquois County (ICOM) Dispatch.

Residents are encouraged to remain cautious around downed power lines, damaged trees, and debris, and to report any significant storm damage to the EMA office.

94.1 WGFA