Watseka, IL – Storm cleanup is underway across parts of Illinois and Northwest Indiana today after severe weather Thursday night caused power outages, damage reports and a courthouse closure in Iroquois County.
According to the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police, the Iroquois County Courthouse in Watseka is closed Friday, June 12, because of severe weather-related damage and power outages reported throughout the county.
Sheriff Clinton J. Perzee said emergency agencies reported several outages and damage to the immediate area surrounding the courthouse. The building is expected to reopen with regular hours Monday, June 15.
The closure comes as the National Weather Service in Chicago conducts storm damage surveys across the region. Survey teams are expected to visit Northwestern Indiana, DuPage County and Livingston and LaSalle counties today to assess damage and determine tornado tracks and intensity.
According to NWS Chicago, several tornadoes occurred across Illinois and Northwestern Indiana on June 11. Some were strong, with notable damage reported in and near Streator, Illinois, as well as Merrillville and Hebron, Indiana.
Preliminary storm reports also showed a corridor where the strongest tornadoes may have occurred, stretching across parts of northern Illinois and into Northwest Indiana.
Residents cleaning up storm damage are urged to avoid downed power lines, damaged trees and flooded or blocked roadways. Officials also ask people to avoid damaged areas unless they live there or have a legitimate reason to enter.
Additional findings from NWS damage surveys are expected later today as crews confirm the number, paths and strength of tornadoes from Thursday’s severe weather outbreak.
