SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued a disaster declaration after deadly storms made their way through the state on Friday.
The declaration was issued Saturday evening for five counties; Boone, Crawford, DuPage, Marion, and Sangamon.
The declaration provides assistance and support to communities to help response and recover from storm damage. Pritzker also is directing the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to conduct a statewide effort.
“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 response, I am issuing an emergency disaster proclamation to immediately provide all necessary aid to our communities. 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”
In Crawford County in southeastern Illinois, three deaths occurred after multiple homes collapsed due to high winds. The Robinson Airport in that county also was a total loss with extensive damage.
High winds also caused a partial collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere near Rockford, causing one death.
A tornado touchdown near Springfield in Sherman, Riverton, and Dawson damaged multiple buildings.
