DANVILLE — Severe thunderstorms rolled through Vermilion County Thursday night knocking out power to more than 10,000 residents in the area and blowing the roof off of a Danville grade school.
The strong line of storms entered the county just after 7 p.m. as the National Weather Service issued it’s first tornado warning at 7:19 p.m.
According to the announcement for the NWS “a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Rossville, or near Hoopeston, moving northeast at 50 mph … Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
Another tornado warning was then issued 7:27 p.m. for central Vermilion County and specifically Danville and the Vermilion Regional Airport.
According to Facebook video from Alderman Tom Hightower, a part of the roof at Mark Denman Grade School was blown off and lying on Colfax Drive. A number of trees in the northeast neighborhood of Danville were also toppled by the winds.
Danville Police and Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. are asking for the public to stay in the homes tonight, while first responders, city workers and officials with Ameren Illinois attempt to clean up the debris and restore the power.
“Unfortunately, there’s lots of damage throughout the city and county,” said Williams in a statement on Facebook. “Over 10,000 are without power, street lights are out in a number of places, and there are trees, power lines, and other debris in many roadways. We have enacted our emergency response protocols and Public Works, Danville Police (and) Danville Fire Department are out doing their best to get everything back in passable order.
“PLEASE, PLEASE avoid vehicular travel until at least daylight (and even after that) unless you absolutely must go somewhere. Be safe, check on your neighbors, (and) take care of each other like we always do (and) we’ll get through this together!”