> At a Glance
> – Tornado tore through Mount Zion, central Illinois.
> – Power outage: more than 2,400 residents affected.
> – Damage: roofs ripped off, trees uprooted.
> – Why it matters: Residents face safety risks and prolonged power loss.
A tornado ripped through the small community of Mount Zion in Macon County on Sunday afternoon, tearing roofs from houses and uprooting trees. The storm struck near Blue Mound at about 3:05 p.m., with a second tornado following in the Long Creek area minutes later. Despite the damage, officials confirmed no injuries.
Tornado Strikes Mount Zion
The Macon County Emergency Management Agency reported that the tornado briefly touched down near Blue Mound at 3:05 p.m. A second tornado occurred about five minutes later in the Long Creek area, officials said. At least two homes had their roofs ripped off, video showed, and several trees were uprooted.
- Tornado touched down near Blue Mound at 3:05 p.m.
- A second tornado struck Long Creek about five minutes later.
- At least two homes had roofs ripped off.
- No injuries were reported.
Power Outages and Response
Sunday’s storms knocked out power to more than 2,400 residents in the Decatur area, according to Ameren, the local utility company. Most outages were reported in the area where the tornadoes hit. Authorities urged people to avoid the hardest hit areas as crews worked to restore electricity and first responders assisted those in need.
| Area | Damage | Power Outage |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Zion | Roofs torn, trees uprooted | >2,400 residents |
| Long Creek | Minor roof damage | Local outages |
The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado touched down in the area, with a final damage assessment coming this week. Strong storms also swept across elsewhere in Illinois, including Pontiac, where heavy winds damaged several homes and an apartment complex, and near Peoria, where a possible tornado may have touched down.
Key Takeaways
- Central Illinois tornado caused extensive structural damage.
- Over 2,400 residents lost power, prompting emergency response.
- Officials urge residents to stay away from hardest hit areas.
The tornado left Mount Zion and surrounding communities in a state of emergency, with residents scrambling to assess damage and restore power. The storm highlighted the vulnerability of rural areas to severe weather.
