JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL — Two people were killed after a tornado touched down shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, in northeastern Jefferson County, damaging homes, knocking down trees and power lines, and prompting a large emergency response, sheriff's officials said.
The tornado was reported moving northeast as the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 911 center began receiving multiple calls about damaged homes, downed trees, downed power lines and missing people.
Officials called in extra personnel to help handle the call volume. Several agencies also responded to assist with search and rescue efforts, including the Mt. Vernon Police Department, Illinois State Police, Mt. Vernon Fire Department, Jefferson Fire Protection District, Waltonville Fire Department, Woodlawn Fire Department, Webber Fire Department, Irvington Fire, Kell Fire, Litton Ambulance and United Medical Response.
As of 9 p.m. Sunday, Sheriff Jeff Bullard said three residences were destroyed, with many other homes damaged to varying degrees.
Two people were killed as a direct result of the storm, one in each of two destroyed single-wide trailers, according to the sheriff’s office. Their names were being withheld.
Five people were taken to two local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
At least three roads were blocked by large amounts of downed trees. Power lines were also reported down in multiple locations, though power had been restored to most areas as of the sheriff's office update.
Officials asked people who do not have emergency business in northeastern Jefferson County to avoid the area.
"The Sheriff and his staff thank all first responders and volunteers who assisted with search and rescue efforts this evening," the sheriff's office said in the release. "We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic event."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Illinois Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.