Fulton County suffers damage from funnel clouds, storms

Andy Kravetz and Chris Sims, Journal Star
·3 min read
Tuesday evening storms wreaked havoc at Lewistown High School, causing plenty of damage to the track and football field.
Tuesday evening storms wreaked havoc at Lewistown High School, causing plenty of damage to the track and football field.

LEWISTOWN – Fulton County officials are urging people to stay away from several towns after a thunderstorm caused severe damage in the area.

Illinois Route 100 was closed Tuesday night from Lewistown to the junction with Illinois Route 78 due to multiple power poles and power lines being down, according to the Fulton County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.

Authorities also reported that several people were injured from the storm. The National Weather Service in Lincoln said one funnel cloud was observed, near Bryant.

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At approximately 12:38 p.m. Wednesday, the Fulton County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency posted an update reporting zero fatalities at the time. There have been four injuries reported, including one person in critical condition as damage included the northern Lewistown, Table Grove and Bryant areas.

At the time of the update, 300 homes were without power in Fulton County with no known estimated time of restoration. The Bryant area appears to have seen the most damage.

Illinois Route 100 remains closed between Lewistown and Bryant with multiple power lines and poles down. There's is currently no estimate to when roads will reopen.

Fulton County Highway 14 will also likely be closed long term between Euclid and Loveland streets. County Highway 13 is open.

Power has been restored to the Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton and most of the west side of Lewistown.

Here's a look at damage around the area:

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  • No damage known at this time

  • No injuries known

Bryant

  • Appears to be the largest impact area

  • Injuries/power outages

  • Residents in Bryant are asked to conserve water and use only in emergency circumstances. A boil order is in place for that area

Canton

  • Power outage

  • One structure destroyed – west of Canton – outside Canton city limits

Lewistown

  • Power outages

  • No structure damages in city limits

  • No injuries known at this time

St. David

  • No known injuries/impacts

  • Power outages

Table Grove

  • Structure damage south side of town.

  • Power outages

  • Power lines down

Teams from Copperas Creek Fire Department and Buckheart Fire Department were on scene conducting damage assessments in conjunction with staff from the Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency.

Fulton County residents affected by the disaster can go to the Bryant Village Hall at 105 E. Main St. for food, water and supplies provided by Mayor Denham, Fulton County Farm Bureau and the Salvation Army. There is currently no need for donations or volunteers.

"Right now, the focus is on confirming damaged areas, checking on those impacted in the county and meeting with area officials to form a plan to meet the needs of those affected," according to the Facebook post.

"It speaks volumes to the spirit of this county and surrounding areas to have this massive amount of support immediately ready to roll into the scene. These efforts are greatly appreciated, but first we must identify the needs and then make sure those needs are met."

ESDA requests that residents avoid the areas of damage completely, citing sight-seeing as unnecessary and inappropriate. A reminder is also in place to stay away from all downed lines.

"Please, lives and homes were impacted," according to an ESDA Facebook post Wednesday morning. "This isn’t something to go see for selfies."

Several fire and emergency medical agencies have responded to help, including Adams County Emergency Management Agency and Peoria's Advanced Medical Transport.

The village of Bryant has been put on a boil order. Bryant water customers should use water in very small quantities for emergency conservation.

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Also, ESDA, along with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, has set up a reunification hotline for "anyone needing shelter or looking for missing loved ones - please call this phone number. 309-402-1468."

If you have family missing in Fulton County, call (309) 402-7507. An online portal will be posted for residents to report damages, according ESDA.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois storms devastate Lewistown, Fulton County sees damage, injuries