Storm Causes Severe Damage in Ranch Oaks
From the Manhattan Fire Protection District:
At approximately 9:30 PM, a large area of Manhattan Township, including the Ranch Oaks Subdivision, was impacted by severe weather, including damaging winds, and heavy rainfall.
First responders and emergency teams are responding to the impacted area. Powerlines and trees are down throughout Manhattan and Wilton Center. ComEd has been notified of the power outage. No injuries to civilians or firefighters have been reported. Residents are encouraged to avoid down power lines and fallen trees. Ranch Oaks Subdivision will remain closed for an extended period.
From the Will County Sheriff’s Office:
Update as of 11:50am: The Will County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is reporting that Ranch Oak Subdivision in Manhattan currently has limited access to homeowners only. Ranch Oak Subdivision is located off Route 52. Three homes have been badly damaged and power lines are down in the area of Katherine Avenue. We have not been notified of an estimated time for this situation to be completed. Emergency and utility personnel are one the scene.
The Village of Manhattan has advised that anyone without power is welcome to come to the Manhattan Village Hall located at 260 Market Place, where a Cooling Center is currently open until 5pm.
The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with area Emergency Management teams throughout the Manhattan, Wilmington, Channahon, and Minooka areas. The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Unit has been dispatched to assist and relieve their personnel who have been working throughout the night at the heaviest damaged areas in the county.
To reiterate what was reported earlier: no crashes, injuries, or major and rural roadway closures have been reported in unincorporated Will County. Major traffic backups continue to be reported along Route 53 and surrounding roads from Coal City through Joliet, due to the partial closure of Interstate 55 last night.
Expect heavy truck traffic, use alternate routes if possible, be patient, and plan for extra time to travel to your destination.