Severe weather swept through the Midwest on Wednesday night, particularly affecting Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. The storms brought widespread tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, leaving many communities devastated. Notably, towns like Effingham, Teutopolis, and Charleston in Illinois experienced significant destruction, including collapsed buildings and injuries, though most were minor.
Power outages peaked at nearly 60,000 customers in Illinois, and a particularly intense tornado in Clark County, Indiana, scattered debris up to 34 miles away. Local fire departments responded to multiple emergencies related to the storms, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
Effingham’s mayor declared a local state of emergency due to extensive damage, prompting closure of Eastern Illinois University and cancellation of summer school in Blue Mound. Authorities are urging residents to avoid damaged areas and to report any dangerous situations. The National Weather Service is conducting assessments to evaluate the full extent of the damage.
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