Disaster response ongoing in Lena after strong tornado strikes Friday afternoon

LENA, Ill. – An emergency disaster response is ongoing in Stephenson County after a strong tornado struck the Village of Lena causing substantial damage April 17.

4:30PM APRIL 19 UPDATE
Physical items are no longer needed in Lena. They are only accepting monetary donations, and food for volunteers.

3:15PM APRIL 19 UPDATE
Power has been restored to nearly entire village, according to Lena Police. If you are still without power and have not reported it, contact your utility provider.

OFFICIAL UPDATE SOURCES
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Village of Lena, Illinois
Lena Police Department
Lena Fire Department
Stephenson County Sheriff

NEED ASSISTANCE?
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Red Cross of Illinois
1.800.RED.CROSS
^{(1.800.733.2767)}
Samaritan’s Purse
833.747.1234

Please let us know below if there are additional ways people can receive or provide assistance.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

UPDATE: A preliminary damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service Saturday has confirmed high-end EF2 tornado damage in Lena.

NWS Quad Cities damage survey.
Webcam footage of rain-wrapped tornado moving into the Village of Lena. (JCWifi)
Home severely damaged by Lena tornado. (Red Cross of Illinois)

On April 17, shortly after 3:30 p.m., a strong tornado developed near Highway 20 in western Stephenson County before advancing northeast into Lena.

No casualties have been reported.

According to local officials, the storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the village.

Numerous roadways were blocked by debris, and hazardous conditions persisted due to, ‘downed power lines, compromised structures, and scattered debris.’

Law enforcement and fire personnel from across northwest Illinois assisted the immediate response and recovery efforts, including resources from state police, officials said Friday evening.

All agencies operated under a, ‘unified, coordinated response to stabilize the area, protect life and property, and assist impacted residents,’ officials said.

Access to Lena is strictly restricted at this time.

Entry is limited to residents, emergency responders, utility personnel, and individuals with a verified, legitimate need to be in the area. These restrictions are being actively enforced to protect public safety and ensure emergency personnel can operate without obstruction.

The public is urged to avoid the area until further notice.

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