At a Glance
- Tornadoes tore through Mount Zion, Illinois, damaging homes and uprooting trees.
- More than 2,400 residents lost power, but no injuries were reported.
- Two tornadoes touched down: one at 3:05 p.m. near Blue Mound, the second five minutes later in Long Creek.
- Why it matters: The storms left widespread damage and power outages in the Decatur area, affecting local communities and emergency response.
Mount Zion was struck by two brief tornadoes that caused significant damage to homes and trees. The storms hit during a severe weather outbreak that afternoon, leaving the community with damaged roofs and uprooted trees.
Impact
| Location | Time | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Mound | 3:05 p.m. | Tornado touched down |
| Long Creek | 3:10 p.m. | Second tornado touched down |
The damage included roofs ripped off multiple homes and debris scattered across front yards. Authorities reported that no injuries were sustained, and several people and pets were inside one house when its roof was knocked off but were able to exit safely.
Response and Power Outages
- Ameren reported that power was knocked out for more than 2,400 residents in the Decatur area.
- Most outages occurred in the zones where the tornadoes struck.
- Crews are working to restore electricity while first responders assist those affected.
Other Weather Events
- The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado in the area, with a final damage assessment expected this week.
- Strong storms also swept across other parts of Illinois, damaging homes in Pontiac and causing possible tornado activity near Peoria.
- The Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency shared photos of a collapsed barn and a downed power pole.
Key Takeaways
- Two tornadoes struck Mount Zion, causing extensive property damage.
- Over 2,400 residents lost power, yet no injuries were reported.
- Emergency crews are restoring power while monitoring for additional weather threats.
The storms highlight the severe impact of tornado outbreaks on small communities, underscoring the importance of preparedness and rapid emergency response.
