Dupage Policy Journal

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation to allow immediate assistance and public safety support for Boone, Crawford, DuPage, Marion and Sangamon counties after those areas were hit by recent tornadoes and storms.

“The devastating storms that swept through our state last night have upended communities and resulted in heartbreaking injury and loss of life,” Pritzker said in a statement. “In response, I am issuing an emergency disaster proclamation to immediately provide all necessary aid to our communities.

Storms caused the fatal roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, in Crawford County, where three people died. The storms also hit both Boon and Crawford counties where about 30 structures were damaged, including the Robinson Airport. Damage also occurred in Sangamon and Marion counties.

“We lost four vehicles, camper, buildings, we lost sheds, (the) carport, (we) can’t even find it. The garage is complete. We have a three-car garage over there, it’s completely gone,” Monica and Michelle Kline said to Central Illinois Proud.

With multiple structures in the Village of Addison having been badly damaged, Prtizker’s office says the disaster proclamation will support local governments as they respond to the damage and begin recovery operations, according to WGN9.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Illinois State Climatologist website posted that tornadoes can happen anytime, but peak frequency in the state is between April and June. It added tornadoes tend to occur during the afternoon and evening.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has been directed by Pritzker to coordinate a statewide response.

"I am in close contact with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local partners around the state to ensure every possible resource is provided to those who suffered losses or are experiencing displacement," Pritzker said.

To stay informed of future weather events, visit the National Weather Service's website.