Some still without power after Monday’s tornado

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

The morning after a tornado touched down in Boone County, a few hundred ComEd customers were still without power.

According to ComEd spokesmen, the company worked through Monday evening, Nov. 22, to restore electricity to more than 40,000 people, mostly near the Winnebago-Boone county line.

The American Red Cross Rock River Chapter was also busy overnight, providing, water, food and shelter for those affected by the tornado. In spite of several buildings being destroyed and an overturned school bus, no major injuries were reported.

The Red Cross is also examining the damage to assess what its future relief efforts will include. Staff opened shelters in Poplar Grove and Machesney Park Monday night.

Meantime, the town of Caledonia is largely closed to everybody but residents. Drivers are advised to refrain from using Illinois Route 173 near Caledonia, while ComEd crews finish. The Boone County Sheriff’s office has also lifted a 9 p.m. curfew it set last night.

ComEd reps said power to all residents and businesses should be restored Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Those seeking assistance following the storm can contact the American Red Cross Rock River Chapter, 727 N. Church St., Rockford, at (815) 963-8471.

According to reports, a tornado also touched down in Walworth County, Wis., Monday.