torn apart

thesouthern.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

TORN APART

Riding outthe stormBY LES WINKELER THE SOUTHERN

HARRISBURG — Leap Daygot off to a rousing start.

It was about 5 a.m. when Iheard my wife getout of bed. Thenext sound Iheard was rain orhail poundingagainst the side ofthe house.

But, there wasanother sound

that was more troubling. Ithought I was hearing a siren inthe distance. The weather wassevere enough that I openedthe window next to the bed tomake sure.

The whistling wind made thesiren difficult to hear, but therewas no doubt this wasn’t adrill.

Winkeler

STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERNThis aerial photo shows some of the damage Wednesday in Harrisburg.

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNGene Byrd pauses for a moment while he and his son, Devyn Byrd, 14, look over the damage to a friend’s houseafter a tornado hit in the early morning Wednesday in Harrisrburg.

THE SOUTHERN

HARRISBURG — Six peoplewere killed and the death tollcould still rise from a tornadothat tore a path of destructionthrough Harrisburg shortlybefore 5 a.m. today.

The Saline County Sheriff’sDepartment put early estimatesat more than 100 people injuredand 250 to 300 homesdestroyed. Aerial views showedwhat looked like the work of abombing. Emergency workersfrom across Southern Illinoiswere sent to help the batteredcity of about 9,100.

Many power lines are downand some gas lines leaking.Telephone services are knockedout for many and cellular tele-phone traffic at times is over-loaded. Utility crews are on-scene and working. Severalstreets are blocked to all vehicleand pedestrian traffic and resi-dents are advised to treat allpower lines as being live.

Tornado strikes Harrisburg, surrounding area

SEE WINKELER / PAGE 2SEE TORNADO / PAGE 2

2 THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 SOUTHERN EXTRA www.thesouthern.com

WINKELER: Gives first-personaccount of riding out the stormFROM PAGE 1

By the time I got out ofbed I heard my wifeyelling, “Grab someclothes.”

Somehow, in the darkand on autopilot, I gotdressed. Now the wind wasgetting more and moreintense.

“We need to go to a safeplace,” my wife said.

Because we have nobasement, the interiorhallway where we werestanding was where weneed to be.

“This is it,” I told her.Then we grabbed each

other and slid to the floor.The next few moments,

I’m guessing it was nomore than 10 seconds,were surreal. The roar ofthe wind echoed throughour ears. It wasn’t theproverbial sound of anonrushing train, but it wasloud.

We heard glass breakingall around us, and we heardcrashes in the distance.

Then, just as quickly as itcame, the wind was gone.

“Where’s Beau?” Judyasked.

I hadn’t seen our dog inthe few minutes we hadbeen out of bed.

We both started callingfor him, and in a fewmoments we heard theclicking of toenail againsthardwood floor. It was areassuring sound.

The next few momentswere spent fumblingaround in the dark, lookingfor flashlights. The goingwas treacherous as brokenglass littered the floors.

I pushed open a bedroom

door to find part of aneighbor’s house trailerhad broken through ourpatio doors. The windowsin the room were brokenout.

In the meantime, Judyhad secured a couple offlashlights, and we sur-veyed the damage. Wewere lucky. Our house wasdamaged, but not struc-turally.

After a quick survey, Iwent to the front door tocheck the yard. Beams oflight were shining from acouple directions.

Neighbors were all outchecking their property,and going house to housechecking on everyone’ssafety. Fortunately, every-one in my immediateneighborhood was fine.

Just a block or so east thepicture was much differ-ent. Roofs were lifted offhouses, other structureswere destroyed. The wind,or tornado, picked up afriend’s pickup truck andmoved it 30 feet.

The FS building, just twoblocks from our home, wasflattened. Everywherepeople were walkingaround, making sure theirneighbors were fine.

And, in just a matter ofan hour, chain saws andtractors started cleaningup the debris.

I’ve never experiencedanything like this.

LES WINKELER is the sportseditor at The SouthernIllinoisan and lives inHarrisburg. He can bereached at 618-351-5088 [email protected].

TORNADO: Harrisburg, surrounding area hit hard by early morning storms; six confirmed deadFROM PAGE 1

Anyone not involved inthe emergency response isasked to stay away fromHarrisburg until furthernotice.

A shelter has beenopened at First BaptistChurch in Harrisburg at204 N. Main Street.

The Harrisburg MedicalCenter sustained damagein the storm, but remainedopen and was treatingsome of the injured,according to Vince Ashley,CEO of the 78-bed hospi-tal. No one was injured atthe medical center, he said.

Northeast of Harrisburg,Cheryl Lovellette, a dis-patcher with the GallatinCounty Sheriff’sDepartment, said no fatali-ties were reported inRidgway, but St. JosephChurch was destroyed andthe village’s AmericanLegion severely damagedin the storm. Minorinjuries were reported.

Lovellette said Ridgway’smayor issued a disasterdeclaration, and volun-teers with debris removalequipment and chain saws

still are needed to assist inrelief efforts. There is nopower in the town of about900, although a massivepolice, fire and emergencymedical response isengaged.

South of Harrisburg, TheMassac County Sheriff’sDepartment reporteddamage to trees and build-ings near Metropolis. Treesblocked some roadwaysbut most have since beenremoved. No fatalities orinjuries were reported.

Southwest ofHarrisburg, the PulaskiCounty sheriff’s depart-ment confirmed somestorm damage in Moundsand Mound City. CountyEMS crews were dis-patched to assist in reliefefforts in Harrisburg.

Seeing it hitThe tornado was spotted

as a wall cloud by areastorm spotters at 4:52 a.m.It touched down at 4:56a.m. in a southwest part oftown known as Dorisville.It traveled northeastthrough the business dis-trict into an area called

Gaskins City.Storm spotters Ryan

Buckingham and RichardGood of the FranklinCounty EmergencyManagement Agency saidthey were east of Marion inWilliamson County whenthey saw the wall cloudform. They watched thetornado touch down andfollow along the path ofIllinois 13.

The tornado causedmajor damage atSoutheastern IllinoisCollege. No injuries werereported at SIC. PresidentJonah Rice said classeshave been canceled theremainder of the week.Spring break begins March5 with classes resumingMarch 12.

Rice said the tornadocaused minor damage tomost campus buildings.The greenhouse wasdestroyed. The softball andbaseball fields got majordamage, he said.

“We were really fortu-nate. We were in the path.The tornado almostseemed to go over andtouch down in Ridgway,”Rice said.

Help arrivingGov. Pat Quinn is

expected to arrive about 2p.m., and he has he hasdirected the IllinoisEmergency ManagementAgency to activate theState EmergencyOperations Center (SEOC)in Springfield.

State Sen. Gary Forby,D-Benton, said, “I’ve

talked to the governor’soffice, the Department ofTransportation, the IllinoisEmergency ManagementAgency, Ameren, andeveryone else I could thinkof. They’re all on their wayto Southern Illinois tohelp.”

West of Harrisburg, thedeputy coordinator of the Jackson CountyEmergency ManagementAgency, Shawn Priddy,said Carbondale andMurphysboro technicalrescue firemen were dis-patched to Harrisburg.

Carbondale DeputyPolice Chief Jeff Grubbssaid the department senttwo police officers toHarrisburg through theIllinois Emergency Alarm

System aid agreement.Carbondale Fire Chief

John Michalesko saiddepartments withinMutual Aid Box AlarmSystem Division 45, whichcovers Southern Illinois,were rallying men andequipment to the hardest-hit areas.

Michalesko saidCarbondale’s departmentsent a technical rescueteam and is delivering amobile generator lighttower to Harrisburg.

“Our hearts go out totheir families and the manyothers who were injured orsuffered a devastatingloss,” Quinn said in a writ-ten statement. “The stateof Illinois is committed todoing everything possibleto help these communitiesrespond and recover fromthis disaster.”

Said U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk,“We are working closelywith the members of theIllinois delegation, will befollowing all future devel-opments, and stand readyto do anything we can toassist in this difficulttime.”

More trouble? Severe weather may be

on the way Friday, accord-ing to weather forecasters,and storm or tornadowatches and warnings maybe issued.

A watch means storms ortornadoes are possible inyour area. Stay alert forweather information andbe prepared to take shelterin a safe place. Seek shelterelsewhere if you live in amobile home.

The Illinois EmergencyManagement Agency saysto report rotating funnelclouds to local emergencymanagement agencies, lawenforcement officials or 9-1-1.

Warnings mean a torna-do or severe storm hasbeen sighted or indicatedon weather radar. Thesestorms may include pow-erful wind and damaginghail. Take shelter immedi-ately and turn on a batteryoperated radio, televisionor weather radio for updat-ed information.

— Most of The Southern Illinoisannewsroom staff contributed to this report.

— The AP also contributed to this article.

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNRoy Mauney of Harrisburg collects clothes from a dresser in what remains of his parents’ house after a tornado hit the Saline County town Wednesday. Mauney said his parents survived thestorm by taking cover in a bathtub before their house blew off its foundation and across the street.

STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERNThis aerial photo shows some of the damage in Harrisburg.

BY BECKY MALKOVICH AND CODELL RODRIGUEZTHE SOUTHERN

Aid is coming inthroughout SouthernIllinois to help Harrisburgthrough the tornado.

Sandy Webster, execu-tive director of theAmerican Red Cross LittleEgypt Network, said therewere only a few people attheir shelter at FirstBaptist Church, 204 N.Main St., in Harrisburgbecause most others areout salvaging what theycan. However, she expectsmore to show up.

Robert Freed, a volunteerwith the American RedCross and Harrisburg resi-dent, said he was sent as arunner to disperse searchesthroughout the area. Hesaid the damage he sawwas astounding.

“It’s pretty rough downhere,” Freed said.

But the people volun-teering, dropping off sup-plies and helping outwherever possible hasshown how people cancome together in a time ofcrisis.

“I’ve been overwhelmedby the support and spirit ofthe community,” Freedsaid.

Emergency personnelhave been pouring in fromthroughout the region.Police officers from areassuch as Herrin, MountCarmel, Benton andEnergy have been helpingout in areas such as direct-ing traffic and going doorto door to check on people.

Beverly Trammel, secre-tary with First UnitedMethodist Church inHarrisburg, said thechurch’s main office inSpringfield will be sendingin a truckload of suppliesincluding cleaning sup-plies and hygiene supplies.She said there will also be astaging area for chain sawcleanup at the HarrisburgRural King, 701 N.Commercial St., inHarrisburg.

She said the church isalso providing food forpolice officers and volun-teers. Webster said localschools are also providingfood for volunteers.

VNA-TIP health care hasset up collection sites atbranches throughout

Southern Illinois. Thoseinterested can take dona-tions to branches inMarion, 8341 ExpressDrive, Suite B;Murphysboro, 702Chestnut or 707 Walnut;Anna, 125 Leigh Drive;Benton, 1107 W. ChurchSt.; and Pinckneyville, 206N. Main St.

Carbondale mayor andRed Cross volunteer JoelFritzler encouraged peopleto bring whatever suppliesthey can, including water,to the American Red CrossLittle Egypt Network at665 N. Airport Road, Suite112, in Murphysboro.

[email protected]

[email protected]

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 3SOUTHERN EXTRAwww.thesouthern.com

Aid pours into Harrisburg; more still to come

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNHarrisburg (above, below) was hit by a tornado early Wednesday morning.

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNShawn Anglin looks over the remains of his South Water Street home while retrieving belongings after the tornado Wednesday in Harrisrbug.


Gov. Quinn expected to visit storm-ravaged areaTHE SOUTHERN

Gov. Pat Quinn will be inHarrisburg this afternoon toview the damage done byWednesday morning’s deadlytornadoes and storms.

Quinn was expected to be in

Harrisburg at about 2 p.m., aspokeswoman for the governorsaid. Quinn also directed theIllinois Emergency Manage-0ment Agency to activate theState Emergency OperationsCenter in Springfield.

“At least six people have lost

their lives in the wake of thesestorms, and our hearts go outto their families and the manyothers who were injured orsuffered a devastating loss,”Quinn said in a statement.“The state of Illinois is com-mitted to doing everything

possible to help these commu-nities respond and recoverfrom this disaster.”

IEMA personnel were sent toHarrisburg after the stormshit, and representatives ofIllinois State Police, depart-ments of transportation,

Central Management Services,Corrections, Public Health andNatural Resources and theAmerican Red Cross all report-ed to the SEOC. The emer-gency center will stay open aslong as necessary, Quinn’sstatement said.Quinn

Storm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparednessTHE SOUTHERN

Wednesday’s deadlyweather is a bitterreminder of the impor-tance of having an emer-gency plan in the event ofsevere weather.

More severe weather maybe on the way Friday, andstorm or tornado watchesand warnings may beissued.

A watch means storms ortornadoes are possible inyour area. Stay alert forweather information andbe prepared to take shelterin a safe place. Seek shelterelsewhere if you live in amobile home.

The Illinois EmergencyManagement Agency saysto report rotating funnelclouds to local emergencymanagement agencies, lawenforcement officials or 9-1-1.

Warnings mean a torna-do or severe storm hasbeen sighted or indicatedon weather radar. Thesestorms may include pow-erful wind and damaginghail. Take shelter immedi-ately and turn on a batteryoperated radio, televisionor weather radio for updat-ed information.

IEMA offers the follow-ing guidelines for severeweather:

During a tornadoIf you are at home:

Go immediately to apredetermined storm shel-ter such as a cellar, base-ment or the lowest level ofa building and stay thereuntil the storm has passed.

Seek shelter elsewhereif you live in a mobilehome.

If you can’t find abasement, go to an interiorhallway or small roomwithout windows.

Get under a sturdypiece of furniture and holdon.

Use pillows or mat-tresses to protect yourhead.

If you are in public:Go to a designated

storm shelter, basement orinterior hallway withoutwindows.

Avoid places withwide-span roofs such asgymnasiums, cafeterias,auditoriums or large hall-ways. Stay away from win-dows and open spaces.

Seek shelter underheavy furniture and coveryour head.

In a multi-story build-ing, go to the basement orlowest floor, or find aninterior hallway with nowindows.

If you are outdoors:Seek shelter in a sub-

stantial building on itslowest floor away fromwindows.

If indoor shelter is notavailable, seek cover in aditch or culvert. Protect

your head with your armsand be alert for flashfloods.

If you are in a vehicle:Do not park under a

bridge or overpass.Immediately exit the

vehicle and seek shelter.Never try to outrun a

tornado.

After a tornadoMonitor TV, radio and

other news outlets for thelatest information orinstructions.

Use extreme care inareas with downed powerlines or natural gas leaks.Wear footwear and watchfor broken glass and nails.

Check for victims andrender first aid if neces-sary. Do not attempt tomove severely injured vic-tims, and wait for emer-

gency medical personnel toarrive.

Check on neighbors orfamily members whorequire special assistance.

Exit damaged build-ings and only re-enterthem if absolutely neces-sary.

Take photos or video ofdamaged property andreport it to your localemergency managementagency.

If unaffected by thetornado, stay out of dam-aged areas until local offi-cials allow entry.

During the stormStay away from win-

dows and doors. Drawblinds and shades toreduce the risk of flyingobjects.

Monitor TV, radio

and the Internet for updat-ed information.

Avoided using landlinetelephones or electricappliances until the stormpasses.

Turn off air condition-ers.

Delay taking a bath orshower until after thestorm.

Seek shelter immedi-ately if outdoors. If youhear thunder then light-ning is near.

If driving, pull over tothe side of the road awayfrom overhanging treesand power lines. Avoidtouching metal parts of the vehicle if lightning isnear.

If no shelter is avail-able, find a low lying areaaway from trees and powerlines.

If on a boat, get to

shore as soon as possible.After the storm

Monitor TV, radio andother news outlets for thelatest information orinstructions.

Use extreme care inareas with downed powerlines or natural gas leaks.Wear footwear and watchfor broken glass and nails.

Check for victims andrender first aid if neces-sary. Do not attempt tomove severely injured vic-tims, and wait for EMS toarrive.

Check on neighbors orfamily members whorequire special assistance.

Be alert for hazards onthe roadway if driving.

Take photos or video ofdamaged property andreport it to your localemergency management

PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNEmergency crews comb through some of the damage after a tornado hit in the early morning Wednesday in Harrisburg.


THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 5SOUTHERN EXTRAwww.thesouthern.com

BY BRENT STEWARTTHE SOUTHERN

ALTO PASS — UnionCounty residents were leftshaken and with someproperty damage aftermajor storms earlyWednesday morning.

However, many residentsfeel blessed that they werespared from major damageor loss of life.

Union County SheriffDavid Livesay said nofatalities or injuries hadbeen reported as of noonWednesday. Most of thedamage was located inrural areas of the county —northern Cobden, AltoPass, and Wolf Lake.

Livesay said much of thedamage was to residences,farm machinery and grainbins.

Alto Pass was hit hardestresidentially by the storm,which locals said hitaround 4 a.m.

Bill Morefield, whosehome is on Walnut Streetin Alto Pass, said he

watched the funnel cloud,looking north from hiswindow.

“It went quick,”Morefield said. “It was atremendous roar. Then Iheard the trees breakingand the roof blew off thehouse (next door).”

Patty Etherton, whosehouse sits close to Illinois127 in Alto Pass, was wokenby her police scannerabout 4 a.m. Hearing ofthe approaching storm,she got up to get dressed.

“About that time, I heardthe porch go,” Ethertonsaid.

Part of Etherton’s alu-minum porch awning wasbent upward, covering herroof. The other part landedat the side of the house.

“I’m very lucky,”Etherton said.

On Union Springs Road,northeast of Alto Pass, Billand Mickey Tweedy wereasleep when the tornadoripped the roof off theirbedroom about 4:15 a.m.

The Tweedys woke up

hearing the wind, whenrain, sheet rock and insu-lation began falling onthem as they lay in bed.The Tweedys went to a rel-ative’s house shortly after.

Mickey Tweedy said itonly took the tornadoabout a minute to pull theroof off their house,demolish a pole barn, top-ple a propane tank, tearthrough trees and throwinsulation and sidingacross their yard.

“This morning when itgot daylight, this is whatwe found,” said MickeyTweedy.

Aluminum siding wasalso wrapped in the top of atree next door to theTweedys’ home.

Many neighbors werehelping the Tweedys cleanup Wednesday morning.

“The Lord was lookingafter us,” said MickeyTweedy.

[email protected] Twitter: @BrentStewartSI

Union County feelingshaken, but blessedNo fatalities as of noon, damage mostly rural

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERNMarvin Clutts (from left), Eugene Ballance, Mike Yates, Ginger Ballance and Connie Yeats help clean the home of Mickey Tweedy after a tornado Wednesday morning.

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERNPatty Etherton walks across what was only hours before an enclosed porch. The roof of thestructure peeled back onto the roof of her home and a section blew into her yard.

STEPHEN RICKERL / THE SOUTHERNMike Stroehlein works at Mickey Tweedy’s home on Union Springs Road after a tornado ripped the roof off the house Wednesday morning.


PAUL NEWTON / THE SOUTHERNA truck sits in a lake after being thrown during a tornado hit Harrisburg in the early morning Wednesday. The storm caused major damage to the town.

PROVIDEDSt. Joseph Church in Ridgway was destroyed during the storm.


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