EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) - The Effingham County Emergency Management Agency said a tornado caused extensive damage to homes, businesses in farms in parts of the county Wednesday night.
"An impactful tornado traveled an estimated 12-to-15 miles through northern part of Effingham County," the agency said in an early Thursday morning Facebook post.
The agency previously reported several injuries and said none of them were serious or life-threatening.
“At this time, we have received reports of injuries but no fatalities," EMA Coordinator Pam Jacobs said in the post. "We have also received reports of damaged houses and buildings along the path of the tornado. We are incredibly grateful for the quick action of our first responders.”
WAND News viewers sent videos of a large tornado move through an area near Green Creek, about five miles north of Effingham. Other videos and pictures showed damages to homes, snapped trees, and downed power lines.
As of 1:30 a.m. Thursday, Effingham County reported about 1,400 customers without power, according to PowerOutages.us.
According to the Effingham Fire Department, a tornado moved through the county just after 8 p.m. Effingham firefighters responded to several emergency calls, mainly in the Shumway and Sigel areas.
The damage in those areas included heavily damaged homes, downed power lines, motor vehicle crashes, collapsed structures and blocked roadways.
Damage assessments are ongoing and full view of the damage isn't expected until later Thursday morning.
Early Thursday morning Effingham County Board Chair Josh Douthit announced a disaster declaration for the county. He said the declaration frees up and expedites resources to parts of the county impacted by the tornado.
"At a time when many residents and first responders need support and resources Effingham County will be able to assist when and where appropriate and cooperate with local, state, and federal agencies to continue the recovery and restoration efforts needed for all of our residents," Douthit said.
First responders are discouraging people from driving around to look at damage. Some roads are not passable, but congested areas creates issues for first responders trying to get to people who might need help.
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