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.
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WIND OF CHANGE Lyrics
Artist: Scorpions
Album: Best
Music :Klaus Meine
Lyrics:Klaus Meine
I folow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
An August summer night
Soldiers passing by
Listening to the wind of change
The world is closing in
Did you ever think
That we could be so close, like brothers
The future's in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change
Walking down the street
Distant memories
Are buried in the past forever
I folow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change
The wind of change
Blows straight into the face of time
Like a stormwind that will ring the freedom bell
For peace of mind
Let your balalaika sing
What my guitar wants to say
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change
Beautiful song ... Monte
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