Tornado warning sirens are being credited with saving lives in rural Rochelle. The entire county and surrounding counties were under several tornado and thunderstorm warnings last night starting around 6:15. Newstalk 1060 and 102.3 The Coyote broadcast live throughout the evening hours keeping residents up to date on the latest weather developments. Fortunately there were no fatalities or serious injuries in Ogle County from the devastating, large, wedge tornado. Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said today that more people could have been killed or seriously hurt if they weren't as prepared for the twister.
VanVickle said there are several injuries and significant damage throughout the area. A total of 50 homes were damaged and 30 homes have been destroyed. VanVickle's home was one of those destroyed by the twister.
Also among the hardest hit areas was at the intersection of Routes 251 and 64. Grubsteakers Restaurant and a farm house were destroyed, and 12 people had to be rescued from a crawl space at the restaurant after being trapped. All were found save and reported only a few cuts and bruises. Four other homes were destroyed just east of that intersection.
The small town of Fairdale was hardest hit. Earlier they reported one factality but now they are reporting that two people were killed in last nights tornado. And, almost every structure in Fairdale was destroyed after the powerful storm last night. DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott said a search is underway for those still missing.
At least eleven people in the town of 200 were injured, and this morning rescue crews continue to look for people that might be trapped in rubble. Scott talks about the devastation to the entire town.
And he says it may be some time before people can check on what's left of their homes in Fairdale.
Authorities still aren't allowing outside access as residents search through the wreckage to try and salvage what belongings they can. The Red Cross has set up a staging area at the west of Rochelle Township High School. And the Rochelle Area Community Foundation has established the Rochelle Area Disaster Relief Fund to accept contributions that will assist local organizations. Contributions can be made on-line at rochelle foundation dot org or by check payable to the RACF Disaster Relief Fund. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 74 or dropped off at First State Bank, First National Bank or Holcomb Bank in Rochelle. For more information contact Kim Montgonery at 561-3600 or email at kim @ rochelle foundation dot org.
Ashton was also hit last night. The tornado ripped through Crest Foods warehouse about 7:00 last night, causing the roof collapse to collapse. No one was hurt in the storm.
Two animals at the Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere are victims of a tornado. Zoo officials say they were able to save most of the animals, but two passed away. The zoo lost a number of small buildings and sheds, and will need some major reconstruction. A GoFundMe account has been set up to care for the animals and help with rebuilding.
