- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Aroma Park Today
By the People, for the People
Gov. Pritzker Surveys Tornado Damage in Kankakee, Aroma Park
Illinois governor pledges state support as officials assess over 400 damaged properties, including 30 total losses
Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:18am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Two days after an EF-3 tornado struck the Kankakee area, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker toured the damaged neighborhoods in Aroma Park. State officials have determined that around 460 properties suffered damage, with 30 homes being completely destroyed. Pritzker stated that his office will be requesting federal disaster relief funds from FEMA to assist the affected communities, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Why it matters
The tornado caused significant destruction in the Kankakee region, impacting hundreds of homes and businesses. As the state and local officials work to recover, the request for federal aid will be crucial in helping the community rebuild and provide relief to those affected by the storm.
The details
During his visit, Pritzker met with county and state officials who reported the extent of the damage, including 30 homes that were completely destroyed. The tornado touched down around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, moving northeast from the Kankakee Fairgrounds across the Kankakee River into Aroma Park. The storm also brought heavy rain, strong winds, and large hail. Pritzker stated that his administration will be working to secure federal disaster assistance from FEMA to support the recovery efforts, though the full cost of the damage is still being determined.
- The tornado touched down around 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
- Governor Pritzker toured the damaged areas in Aroma Park two days later, on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
The players
J.B. Pritzker
The Governor of Illinois who toured the tornado-damaged areas in Kankakee and Aroma Park and pledged state support for recovery efforts.
Kankakee County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that reported the tornado touched down south of Kankakee near the fairgrounds and continued northeast across the Kankakee River into Aroma Park.
What they’re saying
“I've directed my teams to provide the full assistance of the state of Illinois, to the people of this region in all response and recovery efforts.”
— J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
“Above the garage was my attic. My attic totally lifted up, went over to the neighbor's front yard, and in that attic was all of my sentimental kids' stuff when they were baptized and born.”
— Brandon Tomblin, Resident
What’s next
Illinois state officials will be conducting a full assessment of the damage to determine the total cost, which will then be used to request federal disaster relief funds from FEMA. The timeline for when the state will apply for and receive a response from FEMA is still unclear.
The takeaway
The tornado's destruction in Kankakee and Aroma Park highlights the importance of state and federal disaster response efforts to support communities impacted by severe weather. As officials work to quantify the full extent of the damage, the request for FEMA assistance will be crucial in helping residents and businesses recover and rebuild.
