Wayne County Emergency Management Agency officials are assessing damage following a severe weather event that struck the Boyleston area early this (Monday) morning after 4am, leaving numerous roads blocked by fallen trees and creating hazardous travel conditions.
EMA Director, Jeff Jake stated that a damage assessment team was dispatched to the area after what appears to have been either straight-line winds or a microburst. At this time, there is no evidence of tornadic activity, although the National Weather Service will make the final determination.
The storm caused widespread tree damage throughout the Boyleston loop road system. Officials say the main loop road is blocked by several large trees, making it impassable in some locations. Fairfield Rural Fire Department was called out at 4:41 this morning to a report of a tree and power line on fire at 749 County Rd 1395E south of the Boyleston Crossroads off Illinois Highway 15.
Additional storm debris has been reported along Illinois Routes 15 and 242. Near the racetrack south of Wayne City on Route 242, a fallen tree was partially blocking a travel lane, forcing motorists to drive around it. Flash flooding has also been reported south of Sims, adding to the dangerous travel conditions. Wayne-White Electric Cooperative has crews out working in the area to restore power and assess damage.
The Wayne County EMA has issued a public safety advisory urging motorists to use extra caution, allow additional travel time, and be alert for flooded roadways and debris that may obstruct traffic.
Residents whose homes have sustained damage severe enough to make them uninhabitable are encouraged to contact the Wayne County EMA Office at 618-842-3884 and leave a message. EMA officials said they will coordinate with the American Red Cross to provide emergency assistance for qualifying homeowners whose residences can no longer be occupied.