MASCOUTAH, Ill. – The National Weather Service confirmed that a powerful EF2 tornado ripped through St. Clair and Clinton counties in Illinois.

This one had 120 mile per hour winds, causing tremendous damage from north of Mascoutah to South of Trenton.     

Survey teams assessed the damage, and victims began the difficult process of recovery.

The EF2 tornado ripped through the Fourine’s family farm, with many homes in the area  damaged. Trees are down and power lines are currently being repaired.  

“I believe our residents took to those warnings and that’s what minimized those serious injuries,” said Herb Simmons, part of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. 

Joe Fourine has been a farmer for more than 20 years in Mascoutah. He says the storm destroyed his shed and equipment, with damages estimated in the millions

“Most of my trees in my yard are gone,” Fourine said. “Sixteen sheds are gone. (I) had a bunch of equipment damage. A grain handling system is just about totaled. Our elevator legs collapsed. Over half our beds are ruined.”  

Meanwhile, in O’Fallon, Illinois, a mobile home park took a direct hit. Roofs were ripped off, trees snapped in half and entire structures werereduced to rubble.

“This was one of the worst storms we’ve seen in many, many years now,” Simmons said.

Emergency crews have been working nonstop to restore power and clear roadways. However, many residents are still left picking up the pieces.

“We had two different homes that had residents trapped inside of them. The first responders did a great job. You don’t fully get prepared for thesetypes of storms, but they were prepared as possible,” Simmons said. 

Officials urge residents to remain cautious as cleanup continues. Relief efforts are underway, with local shelters providing food, water and a place to stay for those displaced by the storm.