On the night of March 10, Lake Village faced a devastating tornado, leading to a flurry of 911 calls to Newton County’s dispatch. At 7:17 p.m., a call indicated a house hit with three people inside. Soon after, severe damage was reported at County Roads 600 W and 900 N, prompting a full emergency response. The 911 log, as shared by Newton County’s E-911 director Jim Large, highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the call for extensive aid.
The tornado claimed the lives of an elderly couple and injured six others as it struck Lake Village. Local officials, including Jim Large, Emergency Management Agency director Matt VanDrunen, and Sheriff Shannon Cothran, were quick to mobilize efforts to ensure resident safety.
Early Warning Signs
On March 10, VanDrunen attended a District Planning Council meeting at the MAAC First Responder Training Campus in Valparaiso. There, a National Weather Service representative warned of severe weather due to incoming cooler temperatures. Later, a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service Chicago office, and weather spotters began monitoring at 5:49 p.m.
Spotters in Illinois reported the tornado on the ground at 6:52 p.m., leading to activation of sirens in the north end of the county. By 7:08 p.m., the National Weather Service declared a tornado warning.
911 Calls and Community Response
Newton County’s dispatch center received 117 calls post-tornado. Though operators could answer only 43 calls, adjacent counties like Jasper and White provided backup. Fire Chief Rob Churchill from Lake Village Township stressed the need for extensive assistance. He was among firefighters trained as weather spotters tracking the storm.
Tornado Path and Damage
Eric Lenning, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Illinois, conducted damage surveys to verify the tornado’s path and strength. The tornado, classed as an EF3, reached maximum speeds of 160 mph. It caused significant destruction, including toppling the Family Dollar store.
Churchill described the chaos following the event, emphasizing the numerous calls and urgent actions required during recovery. High visibility patrols were prioritized to aid those in need amidst the tumultuous aftermath.
Survivors and Recovery Efforts
In mid-April, signs of restoration were evident in Lake Village. Residents continued to cope with the disaster’s aftermath, some opting to rebuild their homes. Township Trustee Nikki Hanger exemplified the resolve, balancing community responsibilities with personal losses.
With 142 properties damaged in Newton County, recovery is ongoing. Despite the uncertainty, residents like Bud Bushman remain resilient, actively repairing what they can.
The EF3 tornado’s impact underscored the importance of preparedness and the efficacy of early warnings. Local officials acted decisively, attributing their efforts to minimizing further casualties.