SPRINGFIELD — Tornado warnings rang across the state capitol Tuesday afternoon, temporarily putting the legislative session on hold and forcing state lawmakers to take cover below the statehouse.
The National Weather Service reported a tornado touched ground near Curran, Ill. outside of Springfield around 2:30 p.m. Sirens blared across the city for nearly an hour as rain and hail passed on its way further east across central Illinois.
Legislators, guests and employees were told to gather in the basement and tunnels underneath the capitol, as severe storm conditions paralyzed the day’s proceedings.
Children visiting the capitol rested between the brick archways forming the basement of the capitol complex as Republican and Democratic lawmakers held impromptu meetings around the staircases and hallways. Staff took the time to rest against the rocky walls.
Despite the underground tunnels being packed, representatives and senators remained unbothered by the constantly whining alarm.
“It’s part of the business, just got to accept it and move on,” state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, said. “Makes it an exciting day.”
Hours before any warnings were issued, state senators held a moment of silence for the victims of a tornado that touched down in St. Louis Friday.
“You survive something like that, and then you come back and see there’s nothing but rubble in place of where your home used to be,” Christopher Belt, D-East St Louis, said on the state senate floor. “Last night as I was packing for this trip [to the capitol], tornado sirens went off in St. Clair County and it’s like people have PTSD now.”
Five people were killed and 38 wounded as a result of the St. Louis tornado.
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