Bloomington-Normal Grapples with Extensive Storm Damage as School Year Begins
The Bloomington-Normal area is undergoing significant clean-up efforts following a series of severe storms that caused widespread flooding, power outages, and property damage. A microburst thunderstorm last week, followed by persistent rains, left many areas inundated, with trees downed, power lines disrupted, and basements flooded. Illinois State University (ISU) and Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) students, many of whom were moving in for the start of the school year, were directly impacted. Freshman Makayla Johnson at ISU described flooded dorms and streets, while junior Katelyn Slobodian recounted her move-in day coinciding with the storm, leaving roads impassable and causing damage to her temporary housing. Over 22,000 residents experienced power outages, and critical infrastructure like the Constitution Trail, used by IWU's cross-country team, became un-runnable due to debris. City officials, including Bloomington City Council member Sheila Montney, noted the extensive damage and the community's c... 
