High winds cause damage in southern Illinois

BELLEVILLE — Authorities in southern Illinois say strong winds from a storm system moving across the nation’s mid-section caused damage in Belleville.

Assistant Fire Chief J.P. Penet told the News-Democrat firefighters responded Monday to structural damage to homes and uprooted trees. There were no reports of injuries.

Roland Dubose lives outside Belleville. He says a cornfield bordering his backyard had a clear path of damage. Dubose says in addition to crop damage, his fence was knocked down.

Belleville Police Chief Bill Clay says extra patrols have been assigned to areas where damage was reported. He warned the curious to stay away.

In northeastern Illinois, weather conditions caused 30-minute delays and flight cancelations at Chicago’s airports.

A tornado watch was issued for Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Jasper and Livingston counties in central Illinois.