LaSalle County, Illinois

The first area of significant damage in the EF2 range was in the area around the La Salle County Nursing Home and La Salle County Highway Department, with lighter damage upstream from this location. The tornado continued into Naplate and produced widespread EF2 damage to numerous homes. EF3 damage also was identified in two locations. The first was where a minivan was thrown about 30 yards and a home was lifted off its foundation and left with only its interior walls intact. The second was at the Pilkington Glass plant where one section of the factory was completely destroyed. The tornado then crossed the Illinois River and moved through the south side of Ottawa, producing an 800 yard wide path of EF1 damage to trees and homes. The fatalities in Ottawa occurred from a tree falling onto two men who were working outside. The tornado then crossed the Illinois River again and continued to produce EF1 and EF0 damage as it exited Ottawa, finally dissipating in the area northwest of Marseilles. (Tornado #2 of 7).

County emergency managers estimated that over 500 buildings were damaged by flooding across La Salle County. In Marseilles, 1500 people were evacuated due to a compromised levee which led to dozens of homes and facilities being flooded along the river front. Several barges broke loose from a tugboat on the Illinois River and rammed into the levee. Five of the eight locks were damaged such that they could not close completely. Flooding occurred in Utica east of Route 178 resulting in evacuations on the I&M Canal. Creeks were reported out of their banks in Mendota. A woman was killed on Route 351 as it passes over the Illinois River near Peru. She drove around barricades and became stranded in knee-deep water. Her body was found about two weeks later approximately 70 yards downstream.

The Illinois River reached a record crest of 33.79 feet at LaSalle on the 16th. Major flooding occurred along the river in LaSalle County. In Marseilles, flood waters inundated Illini State Park and nearby areas. Flood waters inundated the Peru power plant. Brunner and Water Streets were closed due to flooding. Navigation on the river was halted as most lock facilities were submerged. The Interstate 39 bridge was the only one open as State Highways 251, 351, and 178 were closed. Homes and businesses in Utica were flooded. In Ottawa, 89 residents of a nursing home were evacuated. Dee Bennett Road between Ottawa and Utica was closed. Central Elementary School in Ottawa was surrounded by water and the auditorium was flooded with 8 inches of water.