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Live blog: Fast-moving storm blows through Bloomington-Normal, causing damage
Thursday's heavy rains and high winds were concentrated in Bloomington-Normal, weather agency says
McLean County Emergency Management Agency Director Cathy Beck said Bloomington-Normal was hit hardest by the storms that tore through the county on Thursday afternoon.
The National Weather Service [NWS] reported 1.64 inches of rain fell in the Twin Cities in one hour, most of it in a 30 minute period.
Beck said damage includes trees and utility poles down through the county. NWS noted concentrated damage along Veterans Parkway, with windspeeds as high as 61 mph reported.
Beck noted the McLean County Health Department building in Downtown Bloomington experienced smoke damage after a fire broke out when water got into an electrical closet. The building was briefly evacuated before all employees were allowed to return.
Beck asked anyone who has structural damage from the storms to email ema@mcleancountyil.gov.
Power outages
Ameren Illinois reports about 22,500 customers without power in McLean County as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Corn Belt Energy reports nearly 12,000 customers without power.
OSF St. Joseph closed to trauma, diverting ambulances elsewhere
Severe thunderstorms moved through Bloomington-Normal in early afternoon creating significant disruptions to power and travel.
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center confirmed it has roof damage and water has penetrated the hospital from the roof in at least one area.
St. Joe said its patients are safe. The emergency department has declared a bypass and is closed to ambulances for now.
Outpatient procedures have been canceled on the main OSF campus and will be rescheduled.
The medical center has paused visitor access out of safety concerns.
They continue damage assessments.
State Farm corporate headquarters closes following storm damage
A powerful storm causing damage across Bloomington-Normal includes State Farm's corporate headquarters.
The company and the McLean County Emergency Management Agency confirmed damage to at least one building. A State Farm spokesperson said "all employees are safe and we decided to send employees home for the day out of an abundance of caution."
The area around State Farm incurred damage, including the nearby Arbors at Eastland apartment complex and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, which reported roof damage following the storm.
Illinois State University closes campus due to power outage
Illinois State University has issued an emergency alert closing campus Thursday afternoon.
The university is experiencing a power outage and storm damage, with downed trees and flooded intersections following a powerful storm which passed through the campus.
All non-weather essential employees should leave campus, the alert said, advising employees to use caution when driving in the area.
Flood advisory in effect for McLean County
There is a flood advisory in effect for McLean County until 4:45 p.m.
Many down trees in Normal
The Town of Normal says it is aware many trees are down throughout the community. The town is urging people to drive with caution.
Town trucks are staged and ready to get to work once the storm clears.
ISU hit with street flooding and power outages after storm
Illinois State University has sent out an emergency alert noting a lot of flooding, lines down, and power outages. The university urged people not to drive near campus and to be aware of downed lines.
Roof, water damage reported at OSF hospital in Bloomington
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington confirms it has roof damage and water has penetrated from the roof in at least one area.