Quad Cities, IL/IA – The National Weather Service has confirmed four additional tornadoes from the severe weather outbreak on Thursday, April 17, impacting parts of Illinois and eastern Iowa.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, storm surveys completed Monday identified tornadoes in Mendota and Galena Territory in Illinois, as well as Viola, Illinois, and North Washington, Iowa. All tornadoes were rated EF-0 or EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale.
The strongest of the storms reached EF-1 intensity, including a tornado near Mendota in LaSalle and Bureau counties. That tornado tracked 17.2 miles with peak winds around 90 mph between 8:12 and 8:31 p.m., causing damage to trees, outbuildings, and power poles. A semi-truck was also reported overturned along its path.
Another EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Galena Territory in Jo Daviess County, with peak winds of 95 mph and a path length of 3.7 miles. Damage there included impacts to a home’s awning and scattered tree damage.
In Mercer County, a brief EF-0 tornado touched down in Viola, lasting just two minutes with winds near 85 mph. It caused localized damage, including roof and tree impacts within the town.
Across the Mississippi River in Washington County, Iowa, an EF-1 tornado produced winds up to 105 mph and traveled 5.3 miles, snapping power poles and trees and damaging farm buildings.
Despite the damage, no injuries or fatalities were reported from any of the confirmed tornadoes. Officials credit timely warnings and preparedness for limiting the impact.
The National Weather Service says additional survey details are available on its website as assessments continue.
