A line of powerful storms has pounded parts of Central Illinois, causing some damage and widespread power outages.
There were confirmed reports of a tornado touchdown in Menard County, where many people reported power outages. There was no immediate official confirmation of property damage, as law enforcement agencies were in the process of assessing the situation.
In Sangamon County, strong storms with winds of up to 60 miles an hour hit Springfield and surrounding areas. Again, there was no immediate word on significant property damage. But Sheriff Jack Campbell says Sangamon County deputies responded to four reports of downed trees in roadways and three reports of downed power lines, along with a reported transformer fire.