Volunteers Help Victims of Northern Illinois Tornadoes

FAIRDALE, Ill. (AP) — Hundreds of volunteers have descended on two northern Illinois communities that were devastated by deadly tornadoes last week.

Eight tornadoes roared across northern and central Illinois during Thursday's storms. The strongest hit Fairdale, where two people were killed. That tornado also injured 22 people and damaged or destroyed dozens of buildings. About 900 volunteers removed debris and helped victims search the debris for person items that would help them rebuild their lives. In nearby Rochelle nearly 700 volunteers helped in cleanup efforts.

The volunteers came from as far away as Missouri and Ohio. Along with helping residents sift through debris they brought dogs to provide comfort.

Forecasters say the storm had winds of up to 200 mph, was a half-mile wide and was on the ground for nearly 29 miles.