A powerful storm system swept through southern Wayne County just after 3 p.m. Tuesday, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Warning—followed moments later by a Tornado Warning. The storm left a trail of damage across the region, triggering widespread reports from emergency crews and local residents.
Wayne County Emergency Management teams were quickly deployed to assess the damage. Director Jeff Jake described the impact as ‘widespread,’ with evidence of straight-line winds and possible storm convergence. Jake confirmed that teams are working with the National Weather Service, providing photographic documentation ahead of an official storm classification. A survey team is expected to visit the area to determine whether a tornado touched down or not.
Jake says one particularly alarming incident occurred where a resident became trapped inside a storm shelter after a tree fell and blocked the exit.
Significant damage was also reported across multiple areas including:
In the Merriam area, trees were down southeast of the crossroads, and a tree was reported blocking a section of Illinois Route 15.
Residents reported uprooted trees, broken limbs, missing shingles, and widespread power outages.
Additional tree and property damage occurred along the old east highway off IL-15, Route 45 near Lemond’s Motorsports, and near Clayton Mobile Homes.
East of Highway 45 toward Burkitt-Laws Lake (also known as Sunset Lake), large trees were uprooted and treetop damage was seen north of the lake.
Along SW 7th Street south toward New Hope School, there were reports of uprooted trees and building damage.
And southeast of Fairfield on the Burnt Prairie Blacktop, trees were blocking roads and extensive roof damage has been reported along with scattered debris.
A tree was reported to have fallen on a mobile home in Golden Gate.
Aden Road just south ofWayne City off of I-64, trees down and buildings damaged.
Wayne-White Electric Cooperative crews have been working throughout the night in areas hit by the storm.
Officials are urging anyone with storm damage to share photos to assist assessment efforts. And if you or someone you know has been displaced, you’re asked to contact the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency—they are coordinating support through the American Red Cross.
Comments