OTTAWA, Ill. — The Illinois State Police is currently assisting the Ottawa Police Department with rescue and recovery efforts due to damage caused by severe storms that passed through the area Tuesday.

Ottawa PD reports there is one fatality that was caused by a falling tree. They are advising residents displaced by storm damage to go to the Ottawa High School located at 211 East Main in Ottawa for assistance. The Red Cross will be responding to assist with reunification efforts.

ISP is currently working to establish a perimeter and assist with traffic control efforts.  Ottawa PD will be conducting damage surveys and coordinating search and rescue efforts.

In Southern Illinois, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says there are multiple reports of minor injuries and damaged homes between Ava and Elkville due to severe weather.

The sheriff’s office confirms at least five homes have damage and one has been completely destroyed. They also have reports of minor injuries due to flying debris.damage to at least five homes, with one completely destroyed.

Numerous trees and power lines are reportedly down across the county, and many are blocking major highways and secondary roads. Travel was extremely hazardous and residents were urged to stay out of the area so emergency responders can focus on assisting those affected by the storm.

A LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa was hit by a tornado. There were no serious injuries reported at the nursing home. Trees and power lines were also down in the area, with significant damage reported in Ottawa and Naplate.

There was hail as big as a baseball in the area.