Kankakee Times

State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Pontiac) is reminding residents affected by the recent storms that help from the state is available.

“Residents of Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, and Woodford counties are among those Illinoisans covered by the state’s disaster proclamation due to last weekend’s severe storms,” Bennett said in a news release. “Those in the affected counties who need assistance from state agencies may visit the virtual Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for helpful information and resources.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for counties across central and southern Illinois after storms and tornadoes ravaged the area. Pritzker's edict paves the way for the state to more easily make resources available and allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to procure additional resources to help communities recover from the storms.

“My administration is committed to standing with Edwardsville and all of the surrounding communities affected in every aspect of the immediate recovery, as well as on the road to rebuilding,” the governor said. “Yesterday, I authorized a state disaster proclamation for Madison County, as well as all storm-impacted counties, to facilitate recovery efforts as well as the pursuit of additional federal resources. We are working directly with the White House and FEMA to ensure access to all federal resources for this community. And as local entities work to secure federal reimbursements and recovery dollars, we will assist every step of the way.”

The Effingham Daily News reports six tornadoes were confirmed to have struck across Illinois, traveling over seven miles at wind speeds of 118 mph and leaving downed trees, power lines and other damage.

"This tornado developed outside the NWS Central Illinois (ILX) County Warning Area (CWA) in Bond County, crossing into Fayette County, both covered by NWS St. Louis (LSX). The tornado entered Shelby County at 9:26 p.m., downing several large wood power poles 2 miles west of Herrick. The most significant damage occurred to a residence 1 mile north of Herrick, causing injury to one person. The tornado continued northeast, damaging several outbuildings and downing trees and power lines. The tornado lifted about 9:36 p.m. 2 miles northwest of Cowden," reported the National Weather Service in Lincoln.

As conditions worsened, the governor also activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). Through the SEOC, multiple state agencies are offering assistance on the ground including Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, and Illinois Department of Public Health. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Edwardsville Community Foundation and other nonprofits are also providing services to local residents.

“The disaster proclamation will provide our region additional resources and funding needed to help our community recover following Friday’s nights storm,” said state Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg). “I appreciate everything our first responders and volunteers have and continue to do to help the region recover. I know this has been a difficult time for those impacted. I encourage anyone needing assistance to contact my office at 618-433-8046.”

Counties included in the disaster declaration are Bond, Cass, Champaign, Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Jersey, Kankakee, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Tazewell and Woodford.