WILLIAMSON COUNTY – Friday night’s tornado in Williamson County affected a wide pathway of the county.

Storm damage affected a mile plus wide path from Grassy Road at Wolf Creek Road on the west side of the County to Mauseyville Road on the east side of the county.

Numerous homes and other structures were destroyed or significantly damaged, power lines were knocked down, and trees blocked roadways.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office says a curfew for the affected areas went into effect Saturday night at 11:59 p.m. and will continue until Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. There will be restricted access and travel within one mile of the affected area between those hours.

During the curfew, no travel will be allowed on any public street. Exempted from this restriction are residents who reside in the immediate area, law enforcement, fire, medical personnel, utility companies, members of the news media, as well as personnel and members authorized by units of local government, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The public should be aware that the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has established checkpoints, patrolling, and has deputies saturated in the affected areas. Those who might consider taking advantage of citizens or are contemplating looting are forewarned that they will be held accountable.

Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson has advised that his office is fully committed to the prosecution of those who take advantage of this natural disaster in furtherance of committing criminal activity.