Marion, IL – A powerful tornado swept through Williamson County late Friday, causing widespread destruction across a mile-plus path south of Marion and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the tornado touched down around 6:05 p.m. and carved a destructive route from Grassy Road and Wolf Creek Road to Saraville Road and Stonefort Road. Deputies reported significant structural damage to homes and buildings, along with numerous injuries, though no fatalities have been confirmed.
“Within minutes of the tornado touching down I began receiving calls from every county surrounding Williamson offering mutual aid,” said Sheriff Jeff Diederich in a public statement.
Emergency crews from neighboring counties including Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, and Saline joined Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputies to assist in the aftermath. First responders aided in rescue operations, conducted welfare checks, and helped residents navigate the damage zone.
Though many structures were either destroyed or heavily damaged, authorities noted that injuries ranged from minor to severe, and emphasized the fortunate absence of loss of life.
A curfew was enforced Friday night to limit public access to damaged areas. Exceptions were made for local residents, law enforcement, emergency medical teams, utility workers, and authorized media. Patrols were established to deter looting and criminal activity, with checkpoints, ATV patrols, and security measures in place throughout the affected region.
Sheriff Diederich extended gratitude to the extensive network of departments and volunteers involved in recovery efforts, including police and fire agencies across southern Illinois, utility crews, and local EMT services.
Cleanup and relief efforts are ongoing as the community begins to assess the full impact of the storm.
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