Taylorville, Ill. (WAND) - Crews are working Sunday morning to assess damage in Taylorville after a destructive tornado damaged hundreds of buildings and injured as many as 30 residents Saturday evening.
"It's like a war zone out there." Christian County Sheriff, Bruce Kettlekamp said at a press briefing Sunday at noon.
The National Weather Service says the rare wintertime tornado that struck Taylorville was half-a-mile-wide and stayed on the ground for at least 10 miles. Weather service meteorologist Chris Miller said on Sunday the agency was able to give Taylorville an advanced warning of 41 minutes that the powerful tornado was headed the community's way. The Saturday warning estimated the twister would arrive at 5:20 p.m. and it struck at 5:21 p.m.
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Weather service meteorologist Chris Miller told The Associated Press on Sunday the agency was able to give Taylorville an advanced warning of 41 minutes that the powerful tornado was headed the community's way. The Saturday warning estimated the twister would arrive at 5:20 p.m. and it struck at 5:21 p.m.
The Christian County Emergency Management team say residents can begin cleaning up debris but warn people to be careful when doing so and be careful for downed wires.
Right now, Emergency Management leaders say they have plenty of volunteers and will keep the public informed if they have additional needs. They do say the counties needs are all met at this time. Many people were donating and assisting as the Taylorville Food Pantry opened Sunday morning to help those affected by the damage.
Ameren Illinois says 1400 residents are still without power due to the storm in Christian County. Ameren has hundreds working in the community and are having additional crews come in on Sunday. The group plans for 1200 to have power restored by midnight on Sunday. Residents without power are asked to visit the Ameren Outage map for details on restoration time. The crews responded to over hundred snapped power poles overnight. https://outage map.ameren.com/
Taylorville Public School leaders say they have had some damage at some of their buildings, including a maintenance building and at administrative offices. Because of the damage, school will not be in session on Monday.
Governor Rauner will be in Taylorville Sunday afternoon to help assess and see the damage in the county.
The Christian County Animal Control is open today to help if any pets are displaced or found. They are also asking if anyone has extra large dog crates to donate that would be useful in helping house animals. The shelter is located at 300 South Baugham Road in Taylorville. If interested in helping call Vince Harris at (217) 824-5433.
In a press briefing, fire officials said they do not expect to find additional injuries and said no more than 30 people were hurt. Fire officials also updated saying they had at least 15 homes where people were trapped inside. Taylorville Memorial Hospital say as of 9:30 p.m. its employees had treated 21 patients. Of those patients, three were transferred to Springfield and eight were treated and discharged. Officials report injuries ranged from chest trauma, head trauma, extremity trauma and smoke inhalation. Patients ranged from 9 - 97 years old and conditions range from fair to serious condition.
At this point officials are asking residents to not attempt to clear debris as there may be downed power lines in the debris. Residents are caution to be extremely careful when cleaning up debris. Earlier Sunday a citizen cleaning debris experienced a cardiac event. The patient was taken to Taylorville Memorial Hospital after being revived by Taylorville Fire Department Paramedics and an ambulance crew.?
An emergency shelter has been set up at Crossroads church at 212 Jaycee Drive. The American Red Cross has a reunification hotline set up for people who are looking to locate family members, that number is (844) 319 -6560.
Other ambulances have been called in to assist Taylorville with the overwhelming calls. Mutual aid was also called out for fire and other emergency responders. Fire Departments from Christian County including Assumption, Edinburg, Midland, Moweaqua, Mt Auburn, Morrisonville, Owaneco, Pana and Nokomis all assisted in the search and rescue activities. Montgomery County sent ambulances to assist.
Riverton Police Department is also collecting supplies for Taylorville residents. Donations can be dropped off at the Riverton PD.
Ameren Illinois reports 2,500 people in Christian County are without power. Ameren has multiple crews in Christian County and believes to have 20 or more poles damaged. Consolidated Communications out of Mattoon is heading to Taylorville to assist with debris cleaning.
The Taylorville Food Pantry will be open Sunday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. for free distribution of food to those who need it. The pantry is located at 1429 East Main Cross, Taylorville.
Those interested in volunteering should contact the American Red Cross volunteer line at (309) 349-0387.
Residents in Taylorville are asked to stay inside as they continue their search and rescue efforts.
Rauner and Rep. Rodney Davis toured the hardest hit neighborhoods in Taylorville Sunday afternoon. Davis assisted neighbors with clean up, climbing up on rooftops to cut limbs off of trees. Rauner met with families affected by the storm.
Davis and Rauner said it's too soon to tell if state or federal funds could be used in the cleanup process.Â
The Christian County Emergency Management Agency has authorized the Lutheran Early Response Team to assist with Taylorville damage on December 8. The team will take volunteers for chainsawers, debris clean-up, food service, volunteer intake, counseling, comfort dog ministry and many other jobs.
As of now, Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville and VisionWay is closed Monday.Â
The city is telling residents If they have homeowners insurance, they should contact their agent as they may have a rider on their insurance policy to help with costs for debris removal. Homeowner’s policies may also have provisions for temporary shelter costs and replacement of clothing and household items. Car owners should also contact their insurance companies if their cars are damaged or destroyed for instructions about what they should do to secure transportation.
And if you want your debris cleared quicker: residents should be cautious of contractors that offer services for debris removal or home clean-up and restoration. The contractor must be approved through the City of Taylorville before they will be allowed to work in the affected areas.
Residents should be cautious of contractors that offer services for debris removal or home clean-up and restoration. The contractor must be approved through the City of Taylorville before they will be allowed to work in the affected areas.
GSI in Taylorville will not have a first shift Monday.
