Reported tornado in Lena, Illinois, causes major damage; town is shut down

Local News Reported tornado in Lena, Illinois, west of Rockford causes extensive damage; sheriff says town shut down By Sara Tenenbaum Sara Tenenbaum Senior Web Producer, CBS Chicago Sara Tenenbaum is the Senior Digital Producer for CBS News Chicago, overseeing editorial operations and social media, and covering breaking, local and community news. Read Full Bio Sara Tenenbaum Updated on: April 17, 2026 / 7:28 PM EDT / CBS Chicago Add CBS News on Google A tornado touchdown has been reported in Lena, Illinois, about 48 miles west of Rockford, part of a massive storm system that is barreling toward Chicago Friday afternoon.A tornado warning was issued for Lena at 4:45 p.m. CT, the National Weather Service said. Video from a livestream in Lena shows the massive, rotating storm descending on the town.There is extensive damage in the storm's wake, according to public officials. The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office posted on social media, asking people to avoid going to Lena at all. "There is no way to get into town due to trees and wires down," the post said. "Emergency Services are assisting people per Sheriff Stovall."The Village of Lena Police Department issued an urgent public safety alert on their Facebook page, writing in part, "Another storm is moving toward our area. We're already dealing with damage from the earlier tornado, and conditions could get worse quickly. Take shelter now.""Do not go out to look at damage," the post warns. "Stay off the roads. Our crews are out working, and we need the roads clear so they can do their jobs safely. If you're able, check on neighbors—but only if you can do it safely."Photos from the town show massive trees snapped by high winds and toppled over, blocking off roads. At 6:20 p.m., the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office posted to social media that Lena is "Shut down" as they brace for a second round of storms. "There will be NO traffic in or out of town per Sheriff Stovall until further notice. Emergency Services...