Sunday storms pack a punch

Part of the PC Junior High gym roof is shown in the corner of the school's east parking lot Sunday.

The Prairie Central Junior High School gym in Forrest was among the structures damaged by heavy storms that moved through the area Sunday.

There was visible damage to the gym roof late morning as part of it was blown into a nearby parking lot and an area on top of the gym appeared to be pulled back by the wind with insulation exposed.

“The majority of the damage was contained to the gymnasium,” Prairie Central Superintendent Brian Quam said in a message released to the district. “Based upon initial observations, the educational spaces at the Junior High were not damaged.”

Meetings are expected to take place over the next few days to address the condition of the building. Practices and activities at the building have been canceled by Prairie Central until other gym space is secured.

“We will be sure to communicate to our stakeholders as more information becomes readily accessible,” adds Quam.

The school damage was from the first wave of severe storms which moved through the Fairbury and Forrest areas late Sunday morning – a time when many were at church and others were home.

Damage was also observed to storage sheds located along Route 24 between Fairbury and Forrest and downed power lines were reported.

This was part of a big weather system which caused issues around the state on Sunday, leaving behind a wind advisory and plummeting temperatures Sunday night.  

Roof damage is visible to the gym at Prairie Central Junior High School in Forrest on Sunday.