WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. — A powerful tornado tore through southern Williamson County Friday evening, carving a path of destruction more than a mile wide from Grassy Road at Wolf Creek Road to Saraville Road at Stonefort Road.

The tornado touched down just after 6 p.m., prompting an immediate emergency response within the region. Sheriff Jeff Diederich said offers of aid came flooding in from neighboring counties within minutes.

"Within minutes of the tornado touching down, I began receiving calls from every county surrounding Williamson offering mutual aid," Diederich said.

Deputies from Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, and Saline counties joined local law enforcement in responding to calls and assisting affected residents. Crews reported widespread damage with multiple home and structures destroyed or severely damaged. Several people also reportedly sustained injuries varying from minor to major, however officials say there were no fatalities.

A nighttime curfew was enacted to restrict access to the areas most affected by the tornado. The curfew did not apply to local residents, emergency personnel, utility crews, or accredited media, as well as those authorized by local or state agencies.

Deputies and their assisting agencies conducted patrols, manned checkpoints, and monitored the areas or looting and other criminal activity over night.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office expressed its deepest gratitude to law enforcement, fire departments, medical personnel, utility crews, and citizen volunteers who assisted with emergency response and cleanup efforts.

Responding agencies included: Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, and Saline County Sheriff's Offices; Crainville, Energy, Herrin, and Marion police departments; Illinois State Police; Herrin, Marion, Lake of Egypt, and Williamson County fire departments; United Ambulance, and multiple other utility companies.

Recovery and cleanup efforts are still ongoing. A reception center for volunteers opened at 10 a.m. at the City of Marion Training Center, 211 East Boulevard, Marion, Illinois.