In the town of Washington, Ill. (population: 15,000), as many as 500 homes were damaged in the winds of 166 to 200 miles per hour as a twister traveled straight through the center of the community.
Here's the aftermath:
REUTERS/Jim Young
An aerial view shows the path of destruction caused by a tornado that touched down in Washington, Illinois, November 18, 2013.
And here's a closer look at the destruction:
REUTERS/Jim Young
An aerial view shows the path of destruction caused by a tornado that touched down in Washington, Illinois, November 18, 2013.
As you can see, cars were strewn everywhere:
REUTERS/Jim Young
An aerial view shows the path of destruction caused by a tornado that touched down in Washington, Illinois, November 18, 2013.