Cameron Expected to Re-Open to Citizens at 10 a.m.

Cameron  House leveled 027The small Warren County town of Cameron will resume clean-up efforts again today. Strong thunderstorms moved through Warren and Knox counties Thursday night producing not only heavy rain and lightning, but also tornadoes. Trained spotters confirmed tornado touchdowns in both counties, as well as 10 miles southwest of Galesburg.

An EF-2 tornado touched down near Cameron at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, causing significant damage to more than 100 buildings, however no significant injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Governor Bruce Rauner visited Cameron for a briefing yesterday afternoon, and said the state will help in any way that they can.

“We’re here to assess the damage. We’re going to bring state resources in every way we can to help the community clean up and recover,” says Rauner. “As I’ve been meeting with the families, their resilience and their positive attitude towards dealing with this devestation, it’s remarkable. The families here are remarkable. The way members of the community are coming together to help each other, it’s wonderful.”

Fire and rescue crews from all over the area were dispatched to assist and will continue sifting through rubble. The Warren County Sheriff’s Department reports that power was restored overnight.

The Monmouth Armoury has mostly cleared, however, it is still being used as a shelter for those displaced from their homes. It is expected to be used now as a collection site for those wishing to donate. The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army in Galesburg are also taking donations. Citizens with proof of residency are expected to be able to start returning to their homes 10 a.m. this morning. Contractors will be allowed in at 1 p.m., and volunteers, as well as all others will be able to enter at 5 p.m. this evening.

WGIL will have continued coverage as more details come in.

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