Kankakee, Illinois – Severe wind damage across southern Kankakee is closing roads and prompting officials to urge residents to stay home.
According to the City of Kankakee, a powerful wind event severely impacted the southern portion of the city and surrounding areas of Kankakee County Tuesday, knocking down power lines, flooding streets, and triggering storm-related fires.
Officials said Route 45/52 is closed from River Road to Exit 308 on Interstate 57 because of downed power lines and storm damage. Authorities are advising drivers to avoid all roadways south of the city and routes heading toward Aroma Park.
City crews are currently responding to multiple downed electrical wires in alleyways, and workers are attempting to barricade those areas until utility crews can safely restore service.
Several intersections across the city are also experiencing flooding, creating additional hazards for motorists and emergency vehicles.
Because of the ongoing hazards, city officials are urging residents to remain in their homes and avoid unnecessary travel within Kankakee until further notice.
The city said emergency and public works crews will continue monitoring damage and addressing hazards throughout the night as conditions allow.
Updates will be released as new information becomes available.
The situation may also affect evening commuters and younger workers traveling between Kankakee and nearby communities.
City officials said they will continue providing storm updates overnight as response crews assess damage and work to secure affected areas.
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