Williamson County officials execute disaster declaration, confirm tornado damage

WILLIAMSON COUNTY OFFICIALS EXECUTE DISASTER DECLARATION

(MARION-ILLINOIS) — On Wednesday morning, Williamson County Board Chairman Jim Marlow signed a disaster declaration upon the recommendation of Williamson County Emergency Management Agency Director Kelly Urhahn. The Williamson County EMA has confirmed that a tornado developed in the County on 4/3/2018 and caused significate damage to local homes and businesses. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. The execution of the disaster declaration officially recognizes the event as a disaster and activates Williamson County’s Emergency Operations Plan.

The following disaster response efforts are ongoing at this time:

– Teams from Williamson County EMA, assisted by personnel from Franklin County Emergency Management Agency are conducting a detailed field damage assessment of all residential and business structures that were affected.

– Teams from the National Weather Service are conducting a detailed assessment to determine the path and strength of the tornado.

– Officials from the American Red Cross will be deployed to reach out to citizens affected to aid in recovery efforts. Home Depot out of Marion has graciously donated supplies to assist local residents.

Williamson County officials are asking citizens to report significant structural damage or any assistance needs the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (618) 997-6541.