Winds whip parts of Ill., knock out power

GALESBURG -- Strong storms blew through western and central Illinois, breaking tree limbs and knocking out power for thousands of residents.

Galesburg Fire Department Batallion Chief Chip Timmons says his department spent Thursday morning fielding calls from residents about trees blocking roads, downed power lines and flooded streets. Timmons says none of the damage appears too serious.

Ameren says more than 42,000 Illinois electric customers are without power, including more than 17,000 in Peoria County and more than 7,000 in Knox County.