It was one of the most violent December days in the state’s history. Traffic was diverted in Taylorville due to severe storm damage. Due to the severe damage, some people were trapped in their homes. All non-residents have been urged to avoid the city so as not to obstruct rescue workers.
The tornadoes destroyed power lines, trees and caused severe damage to homes. A house was ripped from its foundations in Macon County. The number of houses destroyed is estimated at around 100. The destroyed power lines left more than 10,000 people without electricity. The storms killed a man at a motel when a tornado swept over the building at 100 mph.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield in response to the severe storms.
The exact number of tornadoes is still uncertain and is still being analyzed. Observations by eyewitnesses are used. Tornadoes can occur any month of the year in the United States, with December being more common in the Deep South. Overall, there are an average of 24 tornadoes in the United States in December, with Illinois mostly sticking to one. This statistic alone shows the peculiarity of the storms that occurred.