WILLIAMSON COUNTY -- Storms that moved across southern Illinois on Friday and Saturday left widespread flooding as well as wind damage to trees and power lines.
According to the National Weather Service, 14 states felt the impact of Friday's storms, which also fit the definition of a derecho, a widespread wind storm associated with a band of rapidly moving thunderstorms. The damage typically occurs along a straight path.
Many in southern Illinois equate the term "derecho" with the historical storm of May 8, 2009, which left most of southern Illinois devastated and some areas without power for several days.
According to meteorologist Nick Hausen, Friday's storms fit the definition of a derecho. Those storms began in Nebraska late Thursday evening, arriving in southern Illinois Friday afternoon, packing winds near 60 miles per hour with gusts up to 75 miles per hour.
The damage included downed trees and power lines as well as buildings with windows blown out.
Another round of storms hit the region Saturday afternoon, leaving Williamson County hit with areas of wind damage and flash flooding.
Johnston City was hard hit by flash flooding. Behind City Hall, police patrol cars were trapped in floodwaters well over a foot deep.
"Apparently the water raised that high in about 45 minutes," said Johnston City Police Chief Will Stark. "Both of our guys were out on emergencies and didn't see it until they got back."
Stark said the vehicles were towed out, and there appears to be no damage to any of them.
In Marion, the downpour wreaked similar havoc. With the ground already saturated, the storm drains were overwhelmed causing water to gush from manhole covers.
Street Department crews from both towns were out on Monday cleaning up downed tree limbs.
A break from the wet weather is expected today and should last until Saturday evening.
