Severe Storm Strikes Lena, Illinois: Tornado Warning Issued and Damage Reported
A tornado touched down in Lena, Illinois, approximately 48 miles west of Rockford, as part of a large storm system moving towards Chicago on Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Lena at 4:45 p.m. CT, with video footage showing the rotating storm approaching the town. Reports of damage have been confirmed by the NWS.
Public safety officials in Stephenson County received information from the National Weather Service about an "extremely dangerous" tornado near Lena, resulting in significant damage. The storm caused part of the roof to come off Lena High School and the elementary school, where students were present during the storm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the students remained safe indoors despite the extensive exterior damage.
While school and local officials have not provided official details on the storm's impact, the NWS warned of another round of severe storms with damaging winds and possible tornadoes heading towards Lena and Stephenson County. The upcoming storms are expected to be most intense between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. CT. Lena is located about 120 miles west of Chicago, and the same storm system is forecasted to reach the city's western suburbs later in the evening.