Vermilion County emergency management agency is reporting that 3 or 4 tornadoes are believed to have touched down in the county earlier this evening, One was in southern Hoopeston, near the ballfield at the high school. Another tore off part of the roof at Mark Denman School in Danville. Other tornadoes were reported north of Fithian and Northeast of Rossville.
10 500 county residents were without power, and Ameren crews were not only working to try to restore power, but were also dealing with some natural gas leaks. One in particular, on Townsend Street in Danville.
Police were responding to a high volume of calls due to the storm. There are several reports of downed trees covering roadways, downed power lines and ruptured gas lines. Police are asking citizens to refrain from traveling outside their homes unless it is an emergency.
Danville Firefighters and public works crews have also been busy. Mayor Rickey Williams is asking citizens to report any downed trees, blocked roadways or other roadway obstructions by calling the Danville Police Department’s non emergency phone number at 217-431-2250. Meanwhile, much of Danville and parts of the county are in complete darkness tonight as crews work to restore power.
Meanwhile, due to the power outages the Hoopeston City Hall will be open tonight (Thursday) for any resident who needs a place to go temporarily. It is not equipped as a shelter, so there are no sleeping quarters, cots, showers or other amenities available. The outage also affects us at WDAN, WDNL & WRHK radio stations.
(The above story is by Bill Pickett.)
