> At a Glance
> – A tornado tore through Mount Zion, Illinois, ripping roofs off homes
> – Power was cut for over 2,400 residents
> – No injuries reported
> – Why it matters: Residents face ongoing cleanup and restoration of damaged homes and power lines.
A violent tornado touched down in central Illinois on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction across several communities. The storm struck Mount Zion, ripping roofs off homes and uprooting trees, while power was knocked out for thousands of residents. Emergency crews are working to restore electricity and assess the damage.
Tornado Strikes Mount Zion
The tornado first touched down near Blue Mound at 3:05 p.m., according to the Macon County Emergency Management Agency. About five minutes later, a second tornado struck the Long Creek area, compounding the damage.
Multiple homes suffered severe damage, with roofs ripped off and debris scattered across front yards.
Despite the intensity, no injuries were reported, and residents inside a damaged house were able to exit safely.
Power Outages and Recovery
Sunday’s storms left more than 2,400 residents in the Decatur area without power, according to Ameren, the local utility. Outages were most concentrated in the tornado-hit zones.
- Mount Zion
- Blue Mound
- Long Creek
- Decatur
- Peoria
- Pontiac
- Tazewell County
Authorities urged people to stay away from the hardest hit areas as crews worked to restore electricity and first responders assisted those in need.
Wider Weather Impact Across Illinois
The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado touched down in the region, with final damage assessments pending. Strong winds also battered other parts of the state.
- Pontiac: heavy winds damaged several homes and an apartment complex
- Peoria: possible tornado caused significant damage
- Tazewell County: collapsed barn, downed power pole, scattered debris
These events illustrate the widespread severity of the severe-weather outbreak that swept across Illinois.
Official Responses
The Macon County Emergency Management Agency and the Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency released photos and updates on social media, documenting the aftermath of the tornadoes.
The National Weather Service is expected to release a comprehensive damage assessment later this week.
| Event | Time | Area |
|---|---|---|
| First tornado | 3:05 p.m. | Blue Mound |
| Second tornado | ~3:10 p.m. | Long Creek |
| Power outage | Sunday afternoon | Decatur area |
Key Takeaways
- A tornado tore through Mount Zion, ripping roofs off homes and cutting power for over 2,400 residents.
- No injuries were reported, but widespread damage remains.
- Other Illinois communities, including Pontiac and Peoria, also experienced significant wind damage.
As emergency crews continue to clear debris and restore power, residents of Mount Zion and surrounding areas are bracing for a lengthy recovery process.
