Violent Storm Rips Through Lena, Illinois, Leaving Town Cut Off [VIDEO]

A powerful storm gave residents in northern Illinois a scary remind of how quickly severe weather can turn dangerous, and it was all caught on camera.

In Lena, Illinois, located about 40 miles from Rockford, Illinois, a live stream camera captured the moment a violent storm pushed into town.  What started as dark clouds quickly escalated into intense winds whipping across the area, sending debris flying everywhere.  Pieces of buildings, tree branches, and objects could be seen being tossed all around as the storm moved in.

The footage is pretty hard to watch, it's the kind of thing you usually only see in weather highlight reels, not something hitting super close to home.

Shortly after the storm passes, the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office issued a warning on social media: stay out of Lena.  According to officials, the town was essentially cut off due to widespread damage.  Trees and power lines were down across roadways, making it impossible for people to safely get in or out.

Emergency crews immediately got to work, helping residents and assessing the damage.  Officials noted that services were actively assisting those impacted, but the situation remained dangerous in the immediate aftermath.

Storms like this are a reminder that Midwest weather can turn fast, especially during severe weather season.  One minute it's just rain, and the next, you're dealing with damaging wings and dangerous conditions.

If anything, this is your sign to take weather alerts seriously.  Because as Lena just experienced, it doesn't take long for a storm to go from routine to downright terrifying and damaging.

Violent Storm Rips Through Lena, Illinois, Leaving Town Cut Off [VIDEO]