The wicked weather that beset us on this Sunday a year ago (November 17, 2013) was nothing short of a news sensation across several states, in particular, deep South and Central Illinois, and southwestern Indiana.
On the day before, we’d given a heads-up that there might be violent weather headed our way…but we had no idea the level of violence, nor its impact on numerous communities in the state, many of which are still struggling with the damage that was done.
The mess actually started in deep southeastern Missouri and quickly moved across Illinois, as this map (originally found at this follow up article link) shows.
We then went from reporting a severe weather update to reporting the first touchdowns of tornados, the first occurring in Peoria.
Photos and videos were then becoming available, many of them being submitted directly to us.
In our immediate area, the vicinity of Friendsville, in Wabash County, was particularly hard-hit.
And then word came out of Brookport, Illinois, that there was a disaster underway after tornados ripped through that town.
The damage in Brookport; more on the way in
Aid to Brookport poured in, yet the situation there was nightmarish for residents and first responders alike.
And of course, the disaster in Brookport was compounded days later by people seeking to take advantage of those in horrible straits there.
Meanwhile, videos emerged of tornados on the western side of Illinois, as well as in Knox County, Indiana, across the river from Lawrence in Illinois, a bit upstate in Pekin, Illinois, and other locales stricken by the outbreak.
Some remarkable people stepped forward to help their neighbors, including Paul Yochum in Vincennes at his car dealership.
And even Lisa Madigan was compelled to step in when some unscrupulous ones were again trying to take advantage of storm victims.
Now, we’re looking at extremely chilly temps a year ago past the mess that was the November 17, 2013 tornado…and many of us would rather face low temps as opposed to unseasonable tornadic activity. What do YOU remember about the massive storm that brought 81 twisters to the Midwest a year ago?