[>>>THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. SEE THE NEW STORM DAMAGE STORY.<<<]
Damage assessments are underway around Vermilion County after strong storms moved through the region this afternoon (May 16, 2019). There were two separate tornado warnings issued, but the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency office says it received no immediate reports of any severe damage.
The storm system brought with it, however, some large hail and heavy rainfall. Hail damage to vehicles was being reported this afternoon in the Danville, Tilton and Westville areas.
After being notified of the tornado warnings, all Danville District 118 Schools were placed on emergency procedures. Transportation was suspended for North Ridge and South View dismissal. Any busses that were already on the road were sent to the closest school for shelter. All coaches for any extra-curricular activities were contacted and students were taken to safety. And as the inclement weather passed, busses were resuming their routes.
Flooding has been a problem in some areas. The Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency says more than one-inch of rain fell in about a forty-five minute period in Danville. EMA also received reports of pea-sized to golf ball sized hail around the county, but our News Department received some reports of even larger hail.
Damages are still being assessed this evening.
