Severe Storms, Tornadoes Rip Across Midwest
PARSONS, Kan. — Emergency workers spent Thursday searching damaged homes and businesses and fighting fires after a tornado struck Wednesday night, injuring 20 people and damaging scores of buildings, rescue workers said.
About 10 homes were destroyed and many others were damaged. Power was restored Thursday in the town of 13,000 about 150 miles south of Kansas City.
The tornado was part of a line of severe storms stretching from Kansas to Illinois that destroyed homes and businesses and flattened a carnival. In all, 27 people were treated for injuries, but none was seriously hurt.
A truck was blown over in Logan County, Ill., and golfball-sized hail fell in Chicago during the morning rush hour. Large hail also was reported in Indiana and southern Michigan.
A tornado in Greenup, Ill., damaged the roof of a car dealership and another damaged a grain bin at Illiopolis in Sangamon County. Wind in Menard County was clocked at 80 mph.
In Parsons, the storm also destroyed a carnival, scattering Ferris wheel parts. Fred Mitchell, a Toby’s Amusements employee, said the damage would be in the millions of dollars. Some carnival-goers got off their rides moments before the storm hit.
Damage to a theater, grocery store, car dealership and other downtown businesses was also heavy.
Other tornadoes touched down in Walnut, Cherryvale and Eire in southeastern Kansas.
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