Strong storms tore across southern Illinois on Sunday, killing two people and shredding trailer homes in rural Jefferson County, according to local officials. Video from the area showed a rain-wrapped circulation that residents described as a possible tornado while crews fanned out to search the damage and check for anyone still in need of help. Farther north, the same system pushed heavy rain into the Chicago region, where rising rivers and ponding on streets sparked flood alerts.
Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard confirmed the two deaths to ABC News, according to ABC7 Chicago. The outlet reports that the storms struck trailer homes in the northeastern corner of the county and that authorities had not yet released the names of the victims.
Flood warning near Little Calumet River
The National Weather Service office in Chicago issued a Flood Warning for the Little Calumet River at Munster, covering parts of Cook County and Lake County in Indiana, saying the river could crest above flood stage and inundate areas outside of levee protection, per the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned of minor flooding and urged people near creeks and rivers to move to higher ground and avoid driving through waterlogged roads.
Damage reports and eyewitness video
Video shot in Dix, Illinois, and shared with news outlets showed what ABC7 Chicago described as a possible tornado moving through Jefferson County. Local officials urged residents to check on neighbors, steer clear of downed power lines, and report hazards and emergency needs to county dispatch.
What residents should do now
Emergency management officials asked people across affected counties to monitor local media, sign up for alerts, and follow the guidance of first responders as crews clear roads and assess damage. We will update this story as authorities release names, damage estimates, and recovery information.
