The National Weather Service announced a severe thunderstorm watch for much of Southern Illinois on Thursday night with 14 counties under the alert.
Thunderstorms had been developing from southwest Missouri into central Illinois before heading east-southeastward. Along with damaging winds and large amounts of hail, the severe thunderstorm watch area had been the possibility of evolving into a tornado, the weather service said.
Area emergency personnel were dispatched to various weather-related calls.
The Nashville Police Department stated a large branch that had fallen as the result of the storm. Citizens were advised to steer clear of South Kaskaskia Street near Nancy Lane until the streets department could clear the roadway.
Mass power outages were reported in Jefferson County. The Ringside Buffet closed its doors early due to no electricity.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
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