Thursday, April 22, 2004
1:23 PM
The aftermath of the Joliet Tornado April 20, 2004

These cars in a Raynor Ave. driveway didn't escape the wrath of Mother Nature.

Historic Western Ave., known best for its Victorian houses, was a scene of debris and damaged homes.

Winds in excess of 100 mph, recorded as an F1 tornado, twisted and broke apart mammoth trees.

An uprooted tree couldn't withstand the high winds.

A small trailer was turned upside down while the coach house behind it was demolished.

This awning blocks the front door while debris and trees cover the yard.

Aside from some damage to their sign, Sub Dock, a favorite late-night eatery in Joliet, kept its doors open.

The same couldn't be said for the flower shop right across the street.

Even a sturdy telephone pole moved substantially during the storm.

I worked at this Amoco in high school. Half of its roof blew off Tuesday night.

This Texas-plated Suburban was in the wrong place at the wrong time on Oneida St.

Another car was moved partially off the street and onto a curb.

At my Aunt's house a block away from the worst damage, a board is stuck in the tree. Notice how the glass candle holder didn't get affected at all by the wind.

A trailer landed on this garage from about 600 yards away. Ironically, the car's plates read MI NU 1.

This beautiful home used to have white pillars as part of a front porch. Now it looks condemned.

Apparently the wind didn't obey this sign.

The precision of the tornado was chilling as it spared this store with glass windows, but severely damaged the homes in the background.