Kankakee, Illinois – Cleanup crews are racing to clear debris and restore power across Kankakee after a tornado and severe storms tore through the community overnight, damaging homes, businesses, and city facilities while forcing schools and a local college campus to close.
According to the City of Kankakee and Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency, the most significant damage occurred in the South-Tec industrial area near the Route 45/52 corridor, where commercial and industrial buildings reported structural damage. Officials say no fatalities were reported and only a small number of minor injuries have been confirmed.
City crews from Police, Fire, Public Works, and Code Enforcement have worked nonstop since the storm hit, removing debris and responding to emergency calls. Waldron Road remains closed east of I-57 so utility crews and emergency responders can safely continue recovery operations in the hardest-hit areas.
Power restoration is underway across the region as ComEd crews repair damaged lines, and electricity has already been restored to some neighborhoods.
The storm’s impact is also disrupting schools. Kankakee School District 111 canceled classes Thursday and Friday, while Kankakee Community College will remain closed for the rest of the week as damage assessments and repairs continue. The American Red Cross has opened a temporary shelter at the college’s Riverfront Campus for displaced residents.
Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel in damaged areas while law enforcement and search teams conduct surveys. Residents can also report property damage through a state emergency self-assessment link established by Illinois emergency management officials.
Community aid is expanding as recovery begins. A power-charging station and supply distribution site is operating at Grace Baptist Church in Aroma Park, while donations are being collected through ShineFM in Bourbonnais and the United Way disaster fund.
Emergency managers say debris removal plans and additional recovery resources will be announced as damage assessments continue across Kankakee County.
