Illinois Rock and Roll Museum among Joliet buildings damaged in Sunday storms

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Severe storms and winds in Will County caused damage to trees, power lines and buildings in Joliet Sunday morning.

Winds even tore through the roof of the Forge Concert Hall, which sent debris into the neighboring Illinois Rock and Roll Museum.

Ron Romero, CEO and founder of the museum, said the museum’s roof and facade were damaged.

“We have a lot of people here right now that are here to clean up,” he told WBBM Newsradio on Sunday. “We’ve got roofers, we’ve got [a] cleanup crew, water damage control and repair. There’s a significant amount of people here … the community’s coming together. You couldn’t ask for a better community; everyone’s helping out.”

The 24-foot guitar on the front of the building — known as “Gigantuar” — was unscathed, Romero said. He pledged that the museum would reopen as quickly as possible.

Greg Ruddy, Joliet’s director of Public Works, said crews had been mobilized and were assessing the damage to city infrastructure. Their first priority was to clear roads. From there, Ruddy said Public Works crews would return to handle downed tree limbs and trees along the city’s parkways.

The whole process could take several days, Ruddy said.

Joliet residents were encouraged to report any downed or sparking power lines by called ComEd at 1-800-334-7661.

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