Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says God was looking out for people in Kankakee County this week.

The governor visited the area Thursday after severe storms, including an EF-3 level tornado, caused extensive damage on Tuesday.

“But one thing, and God was looking out for people here, is that there were really very few injuries. They were relatively minor. There were no deaths,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker said almost 500 structures were affected and at least 30 homes were totally destroyed.

“Many of the people who have been displaced have family that live in the area, and they’ve gone to stay with their family while their homes are being repaired or maybe for longer,” Pritzker said.

The governor said the state would help people who don’t have shelter available.

Pritzker thanked local officials and emergency personnel and said the state was providing resources. A reporter asked how much money might be available for people affected by the storms.

“What comes before we get federal assistance is the assessment. Then we go to the federal government, to FEMA, and show them what the damage is and if it meets a threshold,” Pritzker said.

The governor said politics should not play a role in assessing emergencies.

“I have some confidence here, because I think it’s pretty obvious that the damage here is devastating,” Pritzker said.

The National Weather Service says the severe storms may be followed by hazardous winter weather from Sunday night into Monday.

The forecast for parts of northern and central Illinois includes accumulating snow and sub-zero wind chills.

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