At least 15 tornadoes touched down in north central Illinois Saturday night, prompting Governor Pat Quinn to declare Livingston, LaSalle, Peoria and Putnam Counties disaster areas.
The Associated Press reports that more than a dozen people were injured in Dwight during Saturday's storms, where about 40 mobile homes and 10 other homes were destroyed.
In Elmwood, Ill., about 30 miles west of Peoria, the roof a movie theater collapsed, AP reports. Police said 150 to 200 people had been inside, were evacuated to the basement and no one was hurt.
Gov. Quinn passed through the devastated counties on Monday, and said the state would assist with recovery efforts. The Chicago Tribune reports:
"After viewing devastation caused by these tornadoes, it's obvious that this state disaster declaration is needed to help these communities recover," Quinn said in a statement after touring the village of Dwight, one of the hardest-hit communities. "The state has many tools that can be mobilized quickly to help with recovery efforts, and this declaration will ensure that those assets continue to be provided for as long as they are needed."
The weather service office in Romeoville said seven tornadoes touched down in its area of responsibility, including one each in southwest LaSalle County, Streator, St. Anne Township near Kankakee, Livingston County between Streator and Dwight, and Chatsworth, and two in Dwight.
WGN News reports that 17 people were hospitalized from the storms in Streator, and 30 buildings were destroyed. Streator Mayor Jimmie Lansford told the television station the town "looks like a war zone."
In Dwight, 6 people were injured in the storms. One person was listed in critical condition.
"This is an area that has always pulled together in need," Lansford told the Tribune, "and I don't see that not happening this time."
Anyone wishing to make donations of money to help in the recovery effort is asked to contact the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross.
Those wanting to volunteer were asked to call (815) 257-9911 for more information.
Affected residents in Dwight put together a video of the damage to Illinois towns. Watch it here: