Emergency crews and rescue efforts sprung into action after Cameron, Illinois was struck by a tornado Thursday, July 16, 2015.
The tornado ripped through damaging property, tearing down power lines, and causing gas leaks. In an update Friday morning, Illinois State Police said there had been no "significant injuries" reported, but that they were continuing to search for victims that may be injured or trapped.
The OSF Holy Family Medical Center was operating on generator power and were prepared to accept anyone injured by the storm.
On Friday, police were still not allowing traffic to enter the town; crews were working to clean up debris on the roadways. Gas service was supposed to return to residents around 2 p.m. Electricity was expected to come back on by 10 p.m.
"A faint smell of natural gas is expected," said a statement from the Illinois State Police. "If a resident of the town smells natural gas, we ask that they notify emergency personnel to determine if there is a danger."
On Friday, police announced that the Galesburg Salvation Army was accepting food, clothing, and hygiene products for those affected by the storm. The donations were being accepted at 510 North Kellogg Street in Galesburg, Illinois. Donations were set to be accepted all day.
A shelter was set up at the Armoury in Monmouth providing food and drinks for people.
The American Red Cross was giving snacks and bottled water to residents and responders in the affected areas.
Law enforcement was not allowing the public to enter Cameron as to not interfere with clean up efforts. Trains, however, have started traveling through. The trains passing through are following "a safety protocol that requires them to travel at a very low speed and stop at all intersections," according to BNSF spokesman Bill Hobbs. Because of their low speeds, trains were expected to hinder traffic as they passed through.
Damage assessments can begin once all debris is clear from the roadways, said a spokesperson from the Red Cross.