Two people died as a result of storms in Fairdale, Illinois, said Patti Thompson, a state emergency management spokeswoman. Initial reports indicated
every building was damaged by the storm in that town.
After touring the damage the day after the April 9 storms struck, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner declared DeKalb and Ogle counties "state disaster areas," making state resources available to help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. State conservation police officers, light
towers and communications equipment were sent to the hardest-hit areas according to a statement from the governor's office.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to those impacted by yesterday’s storms,” said Gov. Rauner. “The State will do everything it can to help these families and communities recover and heal, while providing response resources.”
News 8's Shane Simmons was there the day after the storm, as families began trying to put their lives back together in the small DeKalb County town. Highway 72 was closed to traffic heading into Fairdale.