Just talked to my Dad again, by Lake Springfield, and they went outside (power is still out across town) and said that the power plant sounds like 4 jet engines revving their engines on high; very unusual sound. I guess power lines are down, too - they just heard about numerous lines down across Dirkson Pkwy. Knight's Action Park, right off of 72, was supposedly hit, too.
Local Springfield network is using backup generators to broadcast...
Prayers for your Dad.