Local News

Five Tornadoes Touched Down During Tuesdays Storm

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:45:48 CDT
(Springfield)--At least five tornadoes touched down in central Illinois when storms hit the area this week. That's according to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service. Three tornadoes of varying strengths hit Christian County Tuesday evening.

The National Weather Service says the tornado that struck the Girard area has wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour. Another powerful tornado touched down near Litchfield. There is no firm dollar estimate for the damage, but Girard Emergency Management Coordinator John Earley says the cost will be in the millions of dollars for his community alone.

The tornado destroyed five homes in Girard and damaged numerous grain bins, sheds, tractors, and other farm tools.