Overview
- A tornado touched down in the village of Lena, Illinois, on Friday, snapping large trees, bringing down wires, and damaging buildings.
- The Stephenson County sheriff ordered the town closed to all traffic to keep roads clear for emergency crews.
- Local police urged residents to take shelter and stay off the roads as the National Weather Service signaled the risk of more dangerous storms.
- Radio traffic from public safety officials reported exterior damage to Lena High School and the elementary school while students were inside, with no injuries.
- A town livestream showed a rotating storm and flying debris, offering real-time confirmation before full damage assessments are released.