Ottawa is recovering from a tornado that struck Tuesday afternoon, killing an elderly man.
The tornado plowed through the city’s south side, with bulldozer crews needing to clear out much of the streets. Resident Fillan Chapelle ran for the basement as soon as the sirens started blaring. He says the storm left a messy aftermath.
"Trash, garbage cans, trees, everything was flying. It’s debris as far as you can see. Cars are crushed, houses are crushed, people got their roofs missing."
A 76-year-old died from a falling tree, and many others remain without power. Governor Bruce Rauner visited LaSalle County and prompt reactions from citizens and first responders helped save lives.
"We just have to give our prayers, our thanks, to the good Lord that things weren't worse. This could have been much, much worse."
Emergency crews are continuing work to clear out debris and restore power in the affected areas.
