Metro East Sun

Illinois state Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) saw first hand the devastating effects of the recent outbreak of nearly two dozen tornadoes in several communities across Illinois and Indiana.

In an April 3 Facebook post, McClure shared pictures from his tour of three communities that were heavily damaged by the storms.

"I visited Sherman, Riverton, and Dawson this afternoon to see the storm damage," he said in the post. "If you have been affected by the storm and need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my offices."

WLS reported on April 3 that there were 22 confirmed tornadoes across the Prairie State during the previous weekend. Four people were killed as a result of the severe weather.

In an April 3 tweet, the National Weather Service (NWS) shared information about the deadly March 31 weather event.

"A total of 16 tornadoes have been confirmed in our forecast area so far, and damage surveys will continue in various locations today," the tweet said. The NWS listed the confirmed locations, which included Southwest Lee County (EF-1); Montgomery to Aurora (EF-0); Plainfield (EF-0); Merrillville to Hobart (EF-1); Baileyville (rating TBD); Amboy (EF-2); West Brooklyn (EF-1); Davis Junction to Belvidere (EF-1); Machesney Park (EF-1); Caledonia/Poplar Grove (rating TBD); Wellington (EF-1); Lombard to Addison (EF-1); Stockland (EF-1); Oxford, Ind. (EF-2); Fowler, Ind. (EF-2); and Remington, Ind. (EF-1).

Variety reported that one man was killed and dozens more were hurt when the roof of the Apollo Theater collapsed in Belvidere. More than 40 people were sent to the hospital after the collapse. Of that number, five were seriously hurt and two had life-threatening injuries. 

In total, approximately 250 people were in the venue for "The United States of Terror" tour. The musical event was headlined by heavy metal bands Crypta, Revocation, Skeletal Remains and Morbid Angel.