The National Weather Service has determined that the damage caused by Saturday’s storm in Urbana was the result of a microburst and straight-line winds.
According to the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency, officials began investigating after receiving nearly 30 damage reports, primarily in the Urbana area, along with hundreds of photos and videos submitted by residents. The community-submitted images helped emergency officials assess damage and share information with the National Weather Service.
Officials say weather data showed no evidence of rotation associated with the storm. Instead, damage patterns were consistent with a microburst, a localized downdraft that produces powerful straight-line winds when it reaches the ground.
The storm caused numerous downed trees and power lines, along with some structural damage to homes. A small number of residents reported being temporarily displaced due to storm damage.
Anyone who experienced storm-related damage that has not yet been reported is encouraged to contact the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency so officials can continue tracking impacts from the storm.
Champaign County EMA thanked residents for their assistance in documenting damage and helping neighbors during cleanup efforts. Additional information may be released as the National Weather Service continues compiling data from the event.
The following images are courtesy of the Champaign County Emergency Management Association Facebook page:
