Massive, widespread damage across central Illinois after Monday night storm

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Tree limbs were scattered across yards, streets and even on some homes Tuesday morning after a strong storm moved through the area Monday night that produced wind gusts of up to 70 mph.

The highest known winds were at Tanner’s Orchard in Speer, Illinois, where winds reached 105 mph.

City of Peoria, Peoria County and East Peoria

But within the City of Peoria, damage seemed to be limited, at least based upon observation and social media posts, to trees and downed power lines.

On Marlene Street, which is located just across University Street from the Metro Center, large limbs and branches covered front yards. The images were worse in the back yards, residents said.

Over on Glen Avenue across from Concordia Lutheran School, a large branch at least 25 feet long covered a good portion of a person’s front yard.

North of there, off Sheridan Court, which is near Keller Primary School, a resident reported a large tree down in the middle of the street as well as a power line. Power was still out in that area, the person said.

Over in East Peoria, a tree was seen to have fallen on a SUV parked in a driveway.

According to the East Peoria Police Department, several roads were closed within the city including stretches of Springfield Road, Cole Street, Pekin Avenue and Bloomington Road. All were due to storm debris, across the river.

According to Ameren Illinois, there are about 7,500 customers without power in Peoria County.

Tazewell, McLean and Woodford counties

There are about 8,800 in Tazewell County. McLean and Woodford counties had roughly 650 customers without power, according to the outage map.

Marshall County

Even farther north, in Lacon, damage was reported all over. Several people posted on social media images of large, downed trees, leaning against homes or on top of cars. Near First and Center streets in Lacon, a large tree blocked the road.

Fulton County

Fulton County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Helle said North Bethel Road at Rattlesnake Branch is washed out.

He has been told Ameren crews are out trying to restore power to Farmington. He also said the Salvation Army of Canton is going out and helping people.

This story will be updated.