CAMERON, Ill., July 17 (UPI) -- Local officials banned drivers from the small town of Cameron, IIl., located about 200 miles outside Chicago, after a powerful tornado sliced through the main drag and caused massive damages.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner activated an emergency operations center in nearby Springfield in response to the storms that caused damages in areas that also include the towns of Kirkwood and Monmouth.
Officials in Cameron, which has a population of 600, banned drivers from the streets after the late Wednesday tornado, which was reported to have ripped homes off foundations and tipped over grain silos in some areas. The Illinois State Police said there are no significant injuries.
"Currently there are numerous emergency service personnel and agencies on scene conducting search and rescue operations in the town," police said. "At the present time all gas and electric services have been shut off to the town for safety."
More damage from Cameron, IL #tornado. pic.twitter.com/UlHaxnHQTA
— Kholby Martin (@StormChaser220) July 17, 2015Damage coming out of Cameron, Illinois from #tornado #ilwx pic.twitter.com/vigpsxVpqQ
Advertisement— Kholby Martin (@StormChaser220) July 17, 2015The National Weather Service said there is an increased risk for more strong thunderstorms with hail and strong winds Friday afternoon into the evening through the Plains and Midwest.
