Tornado watches were issued for Chicago, Detroit and parts of nine states late Thursday. (Source: Weather Channel)
Significant tornado damage and one death were reported earlier Thursday evening after tornado activity in Central Illinois.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touchdown in Rochelle, Ill., and said one person was killed in the small community of Fairdale, Ill.
The Rockford, Ill., Fire Department said seven people were injuired and "every single" one of the more than four dozen structures in Fairdale were damaged.
Robin Biggs, an employee at the Super 8 motel in Rochelle, Ill., said the tornado "took everything out in its path."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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