1 killed in Ottawa tornado

Posted on March 1, 2017
Central Illinois storm
Severe weather rolled through Central Illinois on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy WMBD)

By Eric Stock

OTTAWA – Gov. Bruce Rauner activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield on Tuesday to ensure state personnel and equipment are ready to be quickly deployed if needed to help local emergency responders with public safety issues following tornado touchdowns in several areas of Illinois late Tuesday.

One person was killed in Ottawa after an uprooted tree fell on someone. WMBD reports 14 people were taken to OSF St. Elizabeth’s in Ottawa, while one person was admitted and two people were transferred to OSF St. Francis in Peoria.

“Activating the State Emergency Operations Center will ensure we’re ready to act quickly if any local responders need our assistance,” said Rauner. “We will maintain our readiness to support first responders wherever needed.”

Rauner is scheduled to visit LaSalle County on Wednesday to tour tornado damage.

Representatives from several state agencies are reporting to the SEOC. State officials are assessing the storm’s impact and communicating with local response officials to determine if state resources are needed to ensure citizen safety.

Illinois State Police is currently assisting the Ottawa Police Department with rescue and recovery efforts due to damage caused by the severe storms.

Ottawa PD is advising residents displaced by storm damage should go to the Ottawa High School located at 211 East Main in Ottawa for assistance. The Red Cross will be responding to assist with reunification efforts.

The National Weather Service reports damage to some buildings in the Woodford County town of Washburn.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

 

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