Aftermath of Taylorville Tornado

Just a week removed from an early season blizzard, a late season severe weather outbreak resulted in several tornadoes across central and southwest Illinois on Saturday. Initial storm surveys have indicated at least 18 tornadoes occurred across the state, the largest December outbreak since 1957. This particular supercell took a long path from the eastern fringes of the St. Louis metro area, to east of Bloomington. Other supercells tracked up the Illinois River valley in west central Illinois.

More than 100 homes were damaged when a tornado struck Taylorville Saturday evening.

21 people were treated for injuries at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, which is located near the area the tornado visited.

The twister struck Taylorville about 5:30pm, hitting the portion of town near Taylorville High School.

Taylorville schools are closed today. Check elsewhere on the website for photos and video from Taylorville.

Many of you are wanting to help those in Taylorville. Effingham City EMA Director Kim Tegeler said she will contact Taylorville officials today to get a list of items needed, then will relay that information to us. We will then share it with you.