For the 1st time that emergency personnel can remember, a tornado touched down in rural Rochelle yesterday evening that did extensive damage to homes and businesses. There were no fatalities from the twister, but several non-life threatening injuries were reported at Rochelle Community Hospital.
The tornado touched the ground a short time before 6:30. Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said the advanced warning of the emergency sirens prevented any deaths or serious injuries.
At this time, around 20 homes have extensive damage or were destroyed in the Hickory Ridge subdivision along with the Deer Creek Subdivision, north and south on Skare Court, and Kuehl Court. 1 of the homes destroyed from the tornado was owned by VanVickle. His wife and 2 children were not hurt along with his dog.
VanVickle said that the tornado was about a quarter of a mile wide as it first touched down near Skare and Flagg Roads. It then traveled northeast to the area of Hemstock and Center Roads.
There was also extensive damage at the intersection of Illinois 251 and Route 64, north of Rochelle, as the tornado destroyed a farm house along with Grubsteakers Restaurant. 12 people were trapped in the crawl space in the restaurant when the tornado hit. They all suffered only cuts and bruises.
The tornado also destroyed 4 homes east of the intersection.
Prior to hitting rural Rochelle, the tornado struck Crest Foods along Route 38 in rural Ashton. Damage was done to the west end of the building and the roof. There were no injuries.
The emergency sirens went off 3 times for residents in Rochelle along with Ogle County prior to the tornado coming into the area. There was minor damage reported in the city.
Electrical power lines were also down due to the storm in Ogle County. The areas included Hemstock, Bethel, Fowler, Center, and Skare Roads.
VanVickle said that at first light today, they plan to fly over the damaged area by helicopter. Additional information will be released during a press conference this morning.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Rochelle Township High School for any of the families who lost their home. Ogle County officials say that many of the victims are staying with families or friends.
This morning, any resident in the effected subdivisions will need credentials to access the area damaged. Credentials can be obtained at the Red Cross staging area at the west RTHS parking lot. Access will then be through the intersection of Flagg and Skare Roads. No other access points will be allowed.
A disaster relief fund has been established for the tornado victims by the Rochelle Community Endowment group. The money will go to organizations providing assistance to local agencies. Go to rochellefoundation.org for further information.
