ST. LOUIS (AP) — A large tornado has touched down near the central Illinois community of Rochelle, and authorities say initial reports indicate it has caused significant damage.

A sheriff’s dispatcher who declined to give her name due to department policy said there was widespread damage but no immediate reports of injuries when a tornado swept across the town of Hillcrest, about 80 miles west of Chicago.

Winnebago County Sheriff’s spokesman Ken DeCoster says funnel clouds also were spotted near Rockford, but did not touch down. However, television footage showed multiple homes damaged in the incorporated community of Fairdale.

Tornadoes were reported earlier Thursday near Peoria, and Dewitt, Iowa, but no damage was reported.

The strong storm front affecting the Midwest and Plains was moving east Thursday night.