National Weather Service Confirms EF-3 Tornado, Recovery Efforts Underway, Victims ID'd in Lake Village - Thursday, March 12th, 2026

The WVLI News Update with Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the aftermath of the EF-3 tornado that moved through Kankakee County and into Indiana on Tuesday night. This episode details the National Weather Service's findings regarding the storm's intensity, its 37-mile path, and a potentially record-breaking hail measurement.As the community enters the recovery phase, local officials—including Governor JB Pritzker and Kankakee County Board Chairman Matt Alexander Hildebrand—offer critical updates on damage assessment and public safety. This update includes essential information for residents regarding:Official Damage Reports: Updates on the storm's classification and the impacted areas across state lines.Consumer Protection: Important warnings from local law enforcement about fraudulent contractors and high-pressure sales tactics targeting storm victims.Recovery Resources: Details on where to find disaster relief supplies, including water and cleaning materials, through local community partnerships.Insurance Guidance: Steps to take before beginning the cleanup process to ensure proper documentation for claims.The episode concludes with a summary of the latest scores and upcoming schedules for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Big Ten tournament play, as well as an update on Spring Training.Listen to the full episode for specific details on relief locations, contact numbers for official verification, and the complete regional news report.Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)The voices you trust, beyond the dial.