Illinois Governor Vows State Support After Aroma Park Tornado Devastation

Pritzker tours damage, pledges resources to help residents and businesses recover

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:13am

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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker visited the tornado-ravaged community of Aroma Park, surveying the extensive damage and vowing that the state will do everything in its power to assist residents, businesses, and local government in the recovery efforts. Pritzker expressed confidence that federal resources through FEMA will also be made available, noting the scale of destruction warrants significant relief.

Why it matters

The EF-3 tornado that struck Aroma Park on March 10th caused catastrophic damage, with over 500 properties evaluated so far and 30 homes already declared a total loss. The governor's visit and pledge of state support is crucial for a community in need of substantial resources to rebuild and recover from this natural disaster.

The details

During his tour, Pritzker met with local officials and emergency management personnel, as well as residents like 71-year-old Patricia Kime, whose home on Strasma North Drive was completely destroyed, save for the bathroom where she and her family took shelter. The governor expressed sorrow for the losses and assured Kime and others that the state will do whatever it can to help. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Pritzker noted the clear need for federal assistance, stating 'From just looking around, this looks like a circumstance where federal resources will be triggered.'

  • The EF-3 tornado struck Aroma Park on March 10, 2026.
  • Governor Pritzker toured the damage and met with residents on March 12, 2026.

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who visited Aroma Park to survey the tornado damage and pledge state support for recovery efforts.

Patricia Kime

A 71-year-old Aroma Park resident whose home on Strasma North Drive was completely destroyed by the tornado, with only the bathroom where she took shelter remaining intact.

Dale Kime

Patricia Kime's 71-year-old husband, who took shelter with her and other family members during the tornado.

ComEd

The electric utility company that Pritzker said would have all disconnected power restored before the end of the day following the tornado.

Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)

The federal agency that Pritzker expects will provide resources and assistance for the Aroma Park recovery efforts.

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What they’re saying

“From just looking around, this looks like a circumstance where federal resources will be triggered.”

— J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

“Politics shouldn't play any role in addressing emergencies or crises that exists across country or in the state of Illinois. I have some confidence here ... because it's pretty obvious that the damage here is devastating.”

— J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

“I can't see how this is all going to come back.”

— Patricia Kime, Aroma Park Resident

“I can't believe everyone made it.”

— Patricia Kime, Aroma Park Resident

What’s next

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is still working through its assessments and data collection process to determine the full extent of the damage and what specific state and federal resources will be needed to aid the Aroma Park recovery. The judge will also decide on Tuesday whether to allow the release of Walker Reed Quinn, the man charged with repeated Waymo vandalism incidents, on bail.

The takeaway

This devastating tornado has left the Aroma Park community in need of substantial support, both from the state of Illinois and the federal government, to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Governor Pritzker's pledge to provide all available state resources, and his confidence in triggering federal aid, offers hope that this resilient community will receive the assistance necessary to recover and recover stronger.