Reps. Niemerg, Miller & Halbrook Offer Support To Families Impacted By Storms In Central Illinois

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- State Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), and Chris Miller (R-Charleston) are reminding residents to prioritize safety and avoid downed power lines, debris, and other hazardous areas as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.

“I am thankful there were no fatalities from these tornadoes that hit my hometown of Teutopolis, Dieterich, and the Coles County area,” said Rep. Niemerg. “Thank you to the officials and first responders for their swift action to get help to those affected and to everyone who is pitching in to help their neighbors.”

The storms, which included tornado activity across Central and Southern Illinois, caused significant damage to homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure, along with downed trees and power lines. Thousands of customers across the region were left without power.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Charleston community impacted by the devastating tornado damage,” Miller said. “The damage is significant, but thankfully no lives were lost. We will work together to rebuild our community, with neighbors helping neighbors. I want to thank the first responders, volunteers, and community members who are stepping up to help put our community back together.”

According to the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency, an “impactful tornado” traveled approximately 12-15 miles through the northern part of the county, causing damage to multiple residences, businesses, and farms. Some injuries were reported, though none were serious.

Rep. Halbrook reminded community members to remain alert for hazardous conditions. “We are blessed that despite the severity of these storms, there were no fatalities. I will be sure to work with the state to keep the 107th district updated as recovery efforts take place.”

Across the region, the extent of damage remains under assessment. It is reported that there were at least seven tornadoes during the weather event, which left 55,000 customers without power in Illinois at the height of the storm.