Storms, flooding hit throughout Illinois


May 16, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

CHICAGO (AP) — Flash flooding has closed roads all over Illinois, and meteorologists say severe thunderstorms and high winds are causing more problems throughout an already soggy state.

The utility company Ameren reports nearly 13,000 people were without power Friday, with many outages concentrated around Decatur and Champaign.

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for more than 10 counties in central Illinois, including Sangamon and Champaign counties. It warns wind damage could be severe.

Flash flood warnings are in effect for about 35 counties, mainly in the central part of the state but also including Chicago and its collar counties.

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