Heavy rain could set back tornado cleanup

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Threat of flood follows tornadoes
The Kankakee River is full and more rain could cause more trouble near Coal City, Ill.

COAL CITY, Ill. (WLS) -- Coal City is at the critical point where storm-damaged homes are covered in tarps, streets are cleared, storm drains unclogged and debris is piled up curbside, waiting for pickup. More rain is neither needed nor welcomed.

"I think we have an organizational structure in place. If the weather cooperates we can get a lot done in the next few days," Coal City Mayor Terry Halliday said.

Flooding is the concern. A normal rain wouldn't be a horrible setback, but a monsoon would definitely complicate things.

"We've got all the debris piled up. Everybody worked very hard yesterday to get it done. To have the wind come in and blow it all apart would be real discouraging," Lance Copes, Coal City resident, said.