Severe Weather Hits Northern Illinois, Spawning At Least 1 Tornado

Authorities say at least seven people have been injured after severe storms that spawned at least one tornado tracked across northern Illinois.

High winds caused property damage and uprooted trees the Lee County community of Sublette on Monday night. Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Schultz says one person in Woodhaven Association, a private camping resort, was hospitalized with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.

Schultz says four other "walking wounded" were either treated on scene or refused treatment.

Further east in Grundy County, Emergency Management Director Joe Schroeder told WGN-TV early Tuesday that there were at least two injuries in Coal City, where the National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down.

Authorities were still in search-and-rescue mode there early Tuesday morning, and a shelter was opened at a local high school.

The storms were continuing east, with parts of northern Indiana and southern Michigan under a tornado watch early Tuesday.

Scary situation in Sublet, IL at Woodhaven Lakes campground. emergency services responding to confirmed tornado hit http://pic.twitter.com/hW16QxnbV3

— Eric O'Brien (@EricOBrien23) June 23, 2015

Authorities say high winds have caused heavy damage in Coal City, a community of about 5,000 residents south of Chicago.

Lt. David Doerfler of the Coal City Fire Protection District said late Monday that in addition to structural damage, roads in the city have been blocked by fallen trees and power lines. He says there have been no confirmed reports of injuries.

The National Weather Service reports high winds have also caused damage near the Lee County community of Sublette.

Meteorologist Gino Izzi says he couldn't confirm that a tornado touched down in the community, located about 85 miles west of Chicago. However, downed trees and power lines and damage to vehicles at a recreation trailer park were reported.

No injuries were reported when the roof of a sporting goods store in nearby Sterling collapsed.

Coal City is one of the communities hit hardest by severe weather. @UnruhJulie on the scene http://t.co/XRuCltcxKR http://pic.twitter.com/F57L6Z3ocL

— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) June 23, 2015

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