TORNADO INJURES 3 IN ILLINOIS.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: Associated Press

MATTOON, Ill. -- An early morning tornado flattened buildings and injured three people Saturday as thunderstorms swept across the Midwest.

The twister destroyed at least 18 houses, three businesses and an apartment building in Mattoon, said Ed Gardner, coordinator of emergency services. Dozens of other buildings were badly damaged.

``It sounded like an old B-52 bomber taking off,'' said Gardner, who lives a block from some of the worst damage. ``I looked out the window, and the flagpole was bent over and the flag was sticking straight out.''

Authorities said there was no warning before the tornado, with winds speeds …