LENA, Ill. (AP) — A likely tornado swept through the small village of Lena in northwest Illinois on Friday, leading to significant destruction including downed power lines, uprooted trees, and damaged roofs. The severe weather prompted local officials to shut down the community as they assessed the situation.
The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office reported that the storm caused "extensive damage" throughout Lena. Roadways were blocked by fallen trees and debris, while many structures were compromised, creating hazardous conditions for residents. Sheriff Steve Stovall expressed relief that there were no reported casualties or serious injuries as a result of the storm, stating, "We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury."
As the situation unfolded, the sheriff's office announced on social media that all traffic in and out of Lena would be suspended until further notice. Later updates indicated that access to the village was "strictly restricted" to ensure the safety of residents and responders.
The National Weather Service assessed the damage and indicated that it was likely caused by a tornado, with plans to survey the area over the weekend. The assessment aimed to confirm the extent of the damage and analyze the storm’s trajectories.
Amid the chaos, 14-year-old Leo Zach found himself in the band room of the local high school just as the building began to shake and the power went out. He described the scene as frightening, with many students experiencing panic attacks. "I’m definitely on the luckier side of how that could’ve happened," he reflected, adding that he tried to maintain composure to help others during the turmoil. Once outside, they discovered that several windows in the gym were blown out and part of the school's roof had been torn off.
Images and videos circulated on social media depicted extensive destruction, including a totaled garage, bricks torn from buildings, and demolished fences. The village of Lena, home to approximately 3,000 residents, is situated about 117 miles (188 kilometers) northwest of Chicago.
A post on the official Lena Facebook page described the scene as "devastating," while expressing a determination to recover and rebuild. “There will be challenges ahead, but we will rebuild, recover, and come through this stronger together," the message conveyed to residents, emphasizing community resilience in the face of adversity.
Rachel Nemon, who was on her way to pick up her stepson from the village's middle school, found herself taking cover in a car wash as the storm wreaked havoc. She witnessed a large tree being uprooted and sparks flying dangerously close to her. "This is something that you see online, not in real life, especially in a small town in Illinois," she noted, reflecting on the surreal nature of the event.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared an update on the situation via the social platform X, indicating that he had been briefed on the damage and that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency was activated and present on the ground to assist with recovery efforts.
