A powerful storm system that swept through parts of the US Midwest has left a trail of destruction in Lena, Illinois, where a reported tornado caused significant structural damage, uprooted trees, and scattered debris across the small town, according to ABC WQAD.
Drone footage captured shortly after impact shows widespread destruction with damaged rooftops, broken and debris in residential areas.
The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office said that downed trees and wires make it impossible to enter Lena and has asked the public to avoid the area.
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Drone footage reveals scale of destruction
The drone video circulating online shows entire sections of Lena affected, with homes appearing partially destroyed and large debris scattered across roads and yards. In some areas, trees have been snapped or uprooted entirely.
Video reports from CBS News Chicago also confirmed that a tornado was reported in the area, with footage showing damaged buildings and emergency crews responding to the situation.
Residents described chaotic scenes as the storm passed through, with strong winds tearing through neighborhoods in a matter of minutes. Weather Fatalities on X has reported that there have been no immediate reports of fatalities.
The community is closed, with no traffic entering or leaving until further notice, according to a Sheriff’s Office advisory, WIFR reported.
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Emergency response underway
Power outages have been reported in several areas, and utility crews are working to restore services. According to ComEd’s outage map, 1,500 customers in Lena are without power, and overall, 3,177 households are without power in Stephenson County.
Lena Brewing Company, located at 9426 W. Wagner Road, said on Facebook that it is welcoming anybody in need of food, power, or community support, per WIFR. However, the brewery has alerted people that they do not have WiFi or phone service at the moment.
Residents were advised by Illinois EMA to charge their phones and be ready to go to a room without windows or the basement, as several emergency lights and fallen trees can be seen in the town on Lena’s live video stream.
A powerful storm line is still moving into Illinois from across Iowa.
