Storm rips down power lines, trees in Channahon

An intense storm that blew through Will and Grundy counties on Tuesday left a concentrated area of downed power lines in Channahon.

Harold Damron, director of the Will County Emergency Management Agency, said reports that a tornado possibly touched down in the Channahon and Minooka areas likely could not be confirmed and that confirmation might not come until Wednesday.

Damron said about 7,500 residents in various parts of Will County were without power, but most of the concentration of damage appeared to be in the Channahon and Minooka areas.

“There’s a pretty good amount of trees down, wires down,” Damron said. “A semitrailer blew over I-55 near Arsenal Road.”

Brian Leatherwood, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville, said the weather service did catch some brief activity north of Minooka that might indicate a possible tornado. But the weather service could not confirm it until the investigation is completed.

According to the village of Channahon, the following streets had downed wires as of Tuesday evening: Willard Street south, Eames Street, Bluff Road, Bell Road, Robin Court, Hickory Court, McEvily Road, Fryer Street, Tryon Street, Cemetery Road, Canal Street, Knapp Street, Sage Street, 26512 Old Kerry Grove Road and May Court.

Tom Durkin, Channahon village administrator, said the village was still assessing the scope of the damage.

The village warned people to stay away from any wires, tree limbs or other debris that might be on the ground.

The phones also were down at Channahon village hall and the Channahon police department administrative offices. The village also cancelled Tuesday evening board meeting and moved the items on the agenda to the regularly scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20.

To report any downed lines or trees blocking roadways in Channahon, please call 815-467-9259.