Published: June 16, 2008 10:25 am      

Storms swat at Hoopeston

HOOPESTON — Straight-line winds hit the area about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, knocking down trees and power lines.

Power outages were reported across the city and Illinois Route 1 between Main Street and Thompson Avenue remained closed this morning.

“Residents in the northwest, northeast and southeast parts of Hoopeston are still without power (at 9 p.m.),” according to the Hoopeston Police Department radio operator.

Power was restored early this morning to a majority of residents. According to AmerenCIPS, only 178 outages remained in Hoopeston earlier today.

Hoopeston Police Sergeant Jim Goodrum, on duty during the afternoon, saw the storm and winds cross the fields west of Illinois Route 1 and was nearly hit by one of the utility poles as it toppled, blocking Illinois Route 1.

At least four poles fell before the raging winds, with one pole at the corner of Thompson Avenue and Route 1 broken at the top, dangling dangerously above the roadway.

“It was a straight-line wind,” Goodrum said. “I’ve seen them before.”

An Ameren spokesman said eight crews worked on utility poles this morning at the Illinois Route 1 intersection. It was expected to be finished by mid-day.

Peanut-sized hail also fell from the band of storms as they crossed the northern part of the county.

The North Side Park, also known as Cheese Park, on Market and Thompson streets, lost several trees. One fell across part of the play area on the northwest side of the park.

Trees blocked roadways and driveways in several areas around Hoopeston. Floral Hill Cemetery received extensive damage due to trees falling. Local residents were seen after the storm riding around the cemetery checking family grave sites for damage.

One tree, partially uprooted behind Floral Hill Chapel, broke a water line as its roots tore from the ground.

City workers cleared roads that needed cleared and set up road blocks in areas that couldn’t immediately be cleared Sunday night. They will be out today to clear debris.