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In the aftermath of severe weather, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is set to visit Kankakee County on Thursday to personally inspect the damage left by the recent storms. Accompanied by emergency response teams, the governor’s visit underscores the state’s commitment to supporting the community in recovery efforts.
Before his on-site evaluation, Governor Pritzker will receive a detailed briefing from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. This preparatory step is crucial for understanding the full scope of the devastation and coordinating effective relief measures.
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Authorities are urging non-residents to steer clear of the affected areas. This request is aimed at ensuring that emergency and utility crews have clear access to perform essential services without unnecessary hindrances.
The community is currently grappling with the aftermath, which includes scattered debris from damaged homes, fallen power lines, and uprooted trees. These hazards pose significant challenges to both residents and workers striving to restore normalcy.
The storms unleashed winds reaching up to 115 miles per hour, leaving a destructive path through Kankakee County on Tuesday. The impact has been profound, necessitating swift and coordinated efforts to address the extensive damage.
RELATED: Kankakee County cleans up damage left by EF-3 tornado, record-breaking hail; several injured
One group survived by sheltering in the basement and were forced to crawl out of this window well to safety.
“I can’t believe that we walked away. I mean, four adults, three kids, and four dogs. And I don’t think any of us even have a scratch on us. I don’t know,” Boerschig said. “I will never live somewhere again that doesn’t have a storm shelter or a basement. That’s the only thing. I mean, it saved our life.”
There’s been an overwhelming show of support for people impacted by the storm with a Red Cross shelter stationed at the Kankakee Community College.
Resources are also available at Grace Baptist Church, which will open at 8 a.m., according to their Facebook page, for people in need of food, water and other supplies for cleanup
Volunteers, local business and community organizations have been making sure food is available for neighbors, first responders and crews work to clean up and bring some semblance of normalcy to this devastated community.
School District 111 schools remain closed Thursday. Also the district is offering free breakfast, lunch and dinner. the meals are served at the Lincoln Cultural Center on Warren Avenue in Kankakee.
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