Streator, IL – Recovery efforts are continuing in Streator after a tornado caused significant damage across portions of the city, prompting officials to restrict access to affected neighborhoods and open an emergency shelter for residents in need.
According to Streator Mayor Tara Bedei and the Streator Police Department, city crews, emergency responders and utility workers remained active Thursday evening addressing storm damage, clearing hazards and restoring services.
Officials are asking residents to avoid traveling into impacted areas unless they live there or have a legitimate need to enter. Damaged neighborhoods will remain closed overnight and secured by the Streator Police Department until 8 a.m. Thursday, June 12.
Residents returning to affected areas should be prepared to provide identification and check in with law enforcement before entering, according to city officials.
An update issued at 9:26 p.m. announced that the American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 509 E. Broadway St., for residents needing temporary shelter, food or assistance.
City leaders said they currently do not need additional volunteers despite an outpouring of community support. Restricting access allows emergency crews, utility workers and public works personnel to operate safely and efficiently as recovery efforts continue.
Officials also reminded residents to stay away from downed power lines, damaged trees and storm debris, which may pose ongoing safety hazards.
The extent of the tornado’s damage has not yet been fully detailed, but emergency personnel continue to assess impacted areas throughout the community.
Additional updates are expected as cleanup and recovery operations move forward.
