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Live Blog: Cleanup and claims work underway after McLean County tornadoes
Here's the latest reporting from the WGLT Newsroom following severe storms and tornadoes that walloped McLean County on Friday, April 17, 2026.
McLean County EMA using drones to survey damage
The McLean County Emergency Management Agency and its team of volunteers are using drones to survey damage stemming from Friday night's storms.
On Sunday, EMA's drone team completed a damage assessment in Colfax and Cooksville in rural parts of the county. Full scale damage assessment begins Monday morning.
Country Financial already at 778 claims in Illinois from Friday's storms
Country Financial said Monday that it’s already received 778 claims from Illinois customers following Friday’s severe weather. That includes 51 claims submitted from Bloomington.
The bulk of Country’s claims are from hail and wind damage, plus sump pump and other weather-related perils. There was also damage in Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Bloomington-based Country said its claims representatives are deploying to areas most significantly impacted by recent severe weather to assist clients across the Midwest.
How to mitigate further loss
If you are a client of Country and believe you may have a claim arising out of these storms, we encourage you to take the following steps:
- Report your claim promptly by calling 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879), or by visiting us online at countryfinancial.com, or through using our mobile app to start the claims process.
- Make an inventory list of all damaged property, including vehicles, and take photos of all damage to document your claim.
- If there is spoiled food in the refrigerator, take pictures of the food products and refrigerator before throwing them out.
- When safe, take steps to prevent further damage such as tarping roofs.
- Save all receipts from emergency repairs, including receipts for basic items such as tarps or duct tape.
Claims filing tips
Once a Country client reports a claim, it will be assigned to a claims representative who will contact the client for more details concerning the claim. Depending on the type of claim that is filed, the damage may be inspected in person. Take advantage of digital capabilities during your claims processing experience, such as:
- Filing your claim digitally on countryfinancial.com.
- Emailing directly with your adjuster when needed.
- Uploading documents and materials digitally.
- If eligible, please use Electronic Funds Transfers for quick and efficient payments.
If a Country client has questions, you can contact 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879) or visit countryfinancial.com for more details.